Joplin city facilities are available for cooling centers

(From the City of Joplin)

As we approach the official start of summer with the possibility of the heat index increasing to dangerously high levels, City officials remind citizens to check on family members, neighbors, friends, and pets to ensure their environment is adequate to endure the hot conditions.

According to David Holden, Emergency Manager for Joplin and Jasper County, cooling centers typically open only after the National Weather Service issues a Heat Advisory for at least three consecutive days. A Heat Advisory means that temperatures of at least 100 degrees or a Heat Index value of at least 105 degrees are expected, generally within the next 24 hours.

The other condition that will warrant cooling centers opening is when the National Weather Service issues an Excessive Heat Warning for any amount of time. An Excessive Heat Warning means temperatures of at least 105 degrees or a heat index value of 110 degrees or higher, and temperatures don’t fall below 75 degrees for 48 hours.

Holden noted the City will use these standards to open the City’s public areas as cooling centers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. When using a City cooling center, people are asked to be respectful of others’ space and to please follow these guidelines while in the public facility or they will be asked to leave the place of business.

Be courteous and quiet; it is a business setting and should not be interrupted.Stay within the main lobby area of the facility.
Laying on the floor or sleeping is not permitted.
Charging of phones or other equipment is not allowed.
Adhere to the operating hours of the facility.

Building options include:City Hall, 602 South Main
Joplin Health Department, 321 East 4th Street
Dr. Donald Clark Public Safety Center, 303 East 3rd
Joplin Athletic Center, 3301 West 1st Street

“The City wants to be a good neighbor, and we allow access to our public space during normal business hours,” he said. “We also encourage our area houses of worship, clubs, civic organizations, and businesses to follow suit and open their public areas as well.”

Jasper County’s COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disasters) will help spread the word when shelters are warranted and will act as a common notification point via their Facebook page.

“It’s important for all of us to be good neighbors,” he said. “We should check on each other and offer what help we can for relief from the heat.”

Important tips to remember during heat waves include:Slow down: reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day. Children, seniors, and anyone with health problems should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
Dress for summer. Wear light loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads. If you pack food, put it in a cooler or carry an ice pack. Don't leave it sitting in the sun. Meats and dairy products can spoil quickly in hot weather.
Drink plenty of water (not very cold), non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty.
Use air conditioners or spend time in air-conditioned locations such as malls and libraries.
Use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air.
Do not direct the flow of portable electric fans toward yourself when room temperature is hotter than 90°F. The dry blowing air will dehydrate you faster, endangering your health.
Minimize direct exposure to the sun. Sunburn reduces your body's ability to dissipate heat.
Take a cool bath or shower.
Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.
Check on older, sick, or frail people who may need help responding to the heat. Each year, dozens of children and untold numbers of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia. Keep your children, disabled adults, and pets safe during tumultuous heat waves.
Make sure rooms are well-vented if you are using volatile chemicals.