Cool places to beat Wayne County’s heat

Wayne County Emergency Management has created a list of cooling centers to help combat the hottest hours each day.

National Weather Service says children, the elderly and people with chronic ailments are at greater risk of being affected by heat.

Heat exhaustion, cramps or heat stroke can result from prolonged exposure to these conditions.

When the heat index is in the upper 90-degree range, residents are encouraged to stay in an air-conditioned place if possible, such as a public library or mall. Even a few hours in air conditioning can help people stay cooler when going back into the heat.

Local sites include:

• Cambridge City Public Library: 600 W. Main St. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays/Wednesdays; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays/Thursdays/Fridays/Saturdays
• Centerville Public Library: 126 E. Main St. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays
• Hagerstown Public Library: 10 W. College St. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays/Tuesdays/Thursdays/Fridays; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesdays; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays

Richmond

• Morrisson-Reeves Library: 80 N. Sixth St. 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays; 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays
• Richmond Senior Recreation Center: 1600 S. Second St. 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays
• Indiana University East Library: Hayes Hall, 2325 Chester Blvd. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays
• Rock Solid Ministries: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays; 9 a.m.-noon Thursdays/Fridays; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays

Other tips from Cleveland Clinic, Centers for Disease Control and National Weather Service:

• Drink water, especially before starting to spend time outside, to avoid dehydration. More suggestions: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-prevent-dehydration
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health offers tips for those who work in high heat: www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/
• Electric fans can provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
• Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.
• Check on friends, relatives or neighbors who might be at risk and don’t have air conditioning.
• Never leave children or pets in an enclosed vehicle because temperatures inside can quickly become dangerous, even fatal.
• Stay updated on local weather forecasts so you can plan activities safely when it’s hot outside.