Health and Safety Officials Urge All to Mind the Heat!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 21, 2005
Contact
DC Tim Wild, CFD, Champaign Fire Department
217-403-7200
Deb Fruitt, Illini Prairie Chapter, American Red Cross
217-351-5861
Diana Yates, Communications Coordinator
217-531-4275
Health and Safety Officials Urge All to Mind the Heat!
During a Heat Wave, Common Sense is the Best Defense
Champaign County is bracing for a hot weekend, and health and emergency management officials are urging residents to follow some common sense guidelines. The American Red Cross, the City of Champaign Emergency Services and Disaster Agency, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District and the Champaign County Public Health Department are asking all county residents to follow these guidelines, from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.
During periods of high outdoor temperatures, it is best to:
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Spend some time in air conditioning, if possible;
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Drink plenty of water and natural juices, even if you don’t feel thirsty;
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Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity;
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Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing;
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Keep shades drawn and blinds closed;
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Keep lights turned down low, or turned off;
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Take cool baths or showers periodically or use cool wet towels to cool down;
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Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, as they increase metabolic heat;
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Avoid boiling water for long periods or using the oven;
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Avoid alcoholic beverages and beverages with caffeine, such as coffee, tea and cola;
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Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician;
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Do not leave pets or children in a vehicle – even for a few minutes.
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Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach 140 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit within 30 minutes on a hot day.
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Check on elderly, disabled or ill neighbors and family members;
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Have a place to cool off. If you don’t have air conditioning, visit one of the locations listed below.
To help those in need keep cool, the American Red Cross is distributing free electric fans to those without air conditioning. You may visit the Red Cross at 404 Ginger Bend Dr., Champaign from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, July 22 and from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 23. People with questions should call the Red Cross at 351-5861.
For Homebound individuals without air conditioning, the Red Cross will deliver a fan to your home between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. To take advantage of this service, please contact the Red Cross at 351-5861. You will need to provide your name, address and phone number.
The following locations may serve as a cool haven for those lacking air conditioning:
LIBRARIES
Champaign Public Library 403-2021
Douglass Branch Library 403-2090
Homer Community Library 896-2121
Mahomet Township Public Library District 586-2611
Ogden Rose Library 582-2411
Parkland College Library 351-2223
Philo Public Library 684-2896
Rantoul Public Library 893-3955
St. Joseph Township Library 469-2159
Sidney Community Library 688-2332
Tolono Public Library 485-5558
University of Illinois Library 333-2290
Urbana Free Library 367-4405
(Peace Meal) Congregate Meal Sites
For details call 1-800-543-1770
Douglass Annex, Champaign
First United Methodist Church in Urbana
Homer City Building
Community Service Center in Rantoul
Sidney Community Building (attached to Library) Some Senior High Rise Buildings
Senior Centers and Senior Groups
Carroll Addition Community Center 1210 Carroll Street, Urbana, IL 61801 384-4022
Douglass Annex Senior Center 804 North Fifth Street, Champaign, IL 61820 398-2572
Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County 520 E. Wabash, Rantoul, IL 61866 893-1530
Hays Senior Center – Champaign Park District 1311 West Church Street, Champaign, IL 61821 398-2580
Mahomet Community Center (next to library) on Main St., Mahomet
Phillips Recreation Center – Urbana Park District 505 West Stoughton Street, Urbana, IL 61801 367-1544
Rantoul Recreation Center 100 East Flessner, Rantoul, IL 61866 893-0461
St. Joseph Seniors @ United Methodist Church 205 North 3rd Street, St. Joseph, IL 61873 469-7424
Salvation Army Golden Agers 502 North Prospect Ave., Champaign, IL 61820 373-7832
Stevick Senior Center 48 East Main Street, Champaign, IL 61820 359-6500
Rural community or senior groups or centers may also be available in Bondville, Fisher, Gifford, Homer, Ludlow, Ogden, Penfield, Philo, Royal, Seymour and Sidney.
This information was compiled by the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission – Senior Services: (217) 328-3313.
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