Greene County Combined Health District

Adds Third Cooling Center to HEAT EMERGENCY

Xenia, Ohio, August 8, 2007 – The Greene County Combined Health District (GCCHD) issued a Heat Emergency for Greene County on Tuesday, August 7, 2007. It will continue through Friday, August 10, 2007. The Beavercreek Senior Center has been added as a cooling center.

The Heat Emergency is being issued because GCCHD anticipates high temperatures and adverse weather conditions that may place individuals at increased health risk.

Greene County Emergency Management Agency has opened the following cooling centers:

Golden Age Senior Center – 130 E. Church Street, Xenia; 8:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m.

Fairborn Senior Center – 325 3^rd Street, Fairborn; 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

3. Beavercreek Senior Center – 3868 Dayton Xenia Rd., Beavercreek; 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

In addition, a great place to escape the heat is your local library.

If you are unable to make it to this location and are in need of assistance, please call

(937) 562-5130.

Under these conditions it is important that residents be aware of the dangers that can be caused by prolonged exposure to heat and physical exertion. GCCHD recommends that everyone pay particular attention to the following:

Drink plenty of water and non-alcoholic fluids. Put the alcoholic beverages away until cooler weather. Alcoholic drinks can increase a person’s risk to heat-related illnesses.

Decrease physical activity. This is particularly advisable for joggers and high school or junior school athletic teams. Exercise activities should occur early in the morning or in the early evening. Stay in the shade as much as possible.

Wear loose, lightweight and light colored cotton clothing.

· Eat light meals.

Cool down with showers, baths and recreational swimming.

Adjust blinds, shades and awnings to keep out the sun.

Use your basement, if it is cool, during the hottest hours.

Use a circulating fan. When temperature exceeds 95°F a fan may not help unless it brings cooler air into the dwelling. Fans may even increase heat stress in very hot weather.

Be a good neighbor and check on those who may need assistance.

Individuals with chronic health problems, such as heart disease or lung problems, should minimize activities because the heat will add additional stress.

Extra caution should be taken for the elderly and young infants and children to assure that they are protected from the heat.

Children and pets should not be left unattended in closed vehicles. Temperatures can reach dangerous levels rapidly.

Individuals on various medications should check with their doctor to see if the heat puts them at increased risk.

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