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June 22, 2022
Published Weekly, Read Daily
Cooling centers open all around city of Peru
By Debi Wallick United Way Executive Director
With temperatures potentially reaching 90+ degrees, the City of Peru has several cooling centers available for those in need. Water will be provided to help keep residents cool. When the temperature increases, it is important to be careful while performing activities and staying cool. Your body is designed to function within a specific temperature range. As it gets too hot, it starts to shut down and cease functioning properly. If it gets too hot and cannot cool fast enough, it can lead to severe medical issues, up to and including death. This is known as hyperthermia. It is essential to watch for signs of hyperthermia. The following is a list of cooling centers with the addresses, hours, and phone numbers. Additionally, you will find other helpful information. Community
Vol. 3, No. 25
Cooling Centers to
in miami county Resource Center – 13 E Main Street – (765) 472-1923 Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to Noon. Miami County Courthouse – 25 N. Broadway – (765) 472-3901 - Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Use the north and south entrances. Miami County Health Department – 2628 E Third St. – (765) 473-0283 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to Noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Miami County YMCA – 751 N. Second Street – (765) 472-1979 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Showers are available for those in need by appoint-
ment. Peru City Hall – 35 S. Broadway – (765) 472-2400 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday 8 a.m. to Noon. Peru Public Library – 102 E Main St. – (765) 4733069 - Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Peru Schools Administration Building – 35 W Third St. – (765) 473-3081 - Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Friday from 9 a.m. to Noon. For basic needs or more information, go directly to www.miamicochamber.com to retrieve the Miami County 211 Resource Guide. The Indiana State Department of
Health has provided tips to help everyone stay safe and cool. Experts say these are the best ways to endure humidity and avoid the danger of heat exhaustion and heat stroke: observe reasonable precautions, recognize the symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion, and apply appropriate treatment, should the symptoms occur. Some precautions are: Pace yourself: for work or recreation in the sun, be sure to take frequent breaks to take on fluids and cool off out of the heat; take it easy; put off strenuous activities that can wait until weather cools; stay cool: use air-conditioning, if it's available; if it's not available, take cool baths, show-
ers, or sponge baths and temporarily inhabit dry basement spaces, which can be 10-15 degrees cooler; eat lighter meals: avoid use of your stove by eating more salads, fresh vegetables and fruit; dress appropriately: wear light-colored, lightweight cotton clothing, which readily releases perspiration and reflects heat. Cotton absorbs perspiration better and thus cools better than synthetics; drink fluids: drink plenty of cool, nonalcoholic beverages (water is best), especially when you're outdoors, to keep the body's cooling system operating efficiently; avoid alcohol, which can induce dehydration; stay in the shade: if possible, perform
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work or strenuous recreational activities outdoors in the morning or early evening, when the sun's heat is less intense; avoid sun burn and ultraviolet light poisoning; carry water: when you're away from home, keep water in non-breakable bottles with you to easily replenish fluids lost to perspiration; look after the very young and the aged: babies and older adults are more susceptible to heat induced illness; check on them regularly. Symptoms to look for when someone is too hot and may become ill. Heat Exhaustion: heavy sweating, paleness, tiredness, headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fainting. Heat Stroke: Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees), red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating), rapid strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, unconsciousness. The following pro vides a guide as to what should be
done if someone is overheated and exhibiting signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Heat Stroke: Is a life-threatening emergency. First, call for immediate medical assistance, then: get the victim to a shady area; cool the victim rapidly, using whatever methods are available, including applying ice packs on neck, and face, and armpits: immersing in cool water, or using a garden hose; monitor the body temperature; continue cooling efforts; if emergency medical personnel are delayed, call a hospital emergency room for instructions; do not give the victim water to drink; do not give the victim any alcohol and get medical assistance as soon as possible. Heat Exhaustion: Although this is not as serious as heat stroke, seek medical help for severe cases. If someone shows signs of heat exhaustion, move the victim to a cooler environment and loosen clothing.