News release from the City of Fort Wayne:
Mayor announces opening of cooling centers
At the request of Mayor Tom Henry, cooling centers will open today, in anticipation of a heat wave that could see a heat index of 105 degrees this week.
“I encourage residents to check on family and neighbors who may be especially vulnerable to excessive heat,” Mayor Henry said. “The Cooling Centers will offer temporary relief during the hottest part of the day.”
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory from noon until 8 p.m. today and an excessive heat watch through Friday. A heat advisory is issued during times of excessive heat and high humidity. Temperatures are expected to reach in the high 90s and bring a heat index as high as 105 degrees through at least Friday. The high temperature could reach 100 degrees on Thursday.
The City of Fort Wayne is opening cooling centers at The Community Center, 233 W. Main St. and the Public Safety Academy, 7602 Patriot Crossing (located behind the Wal-Mart and Menard’s, off US 27). The Community Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and the Public Safety Academy will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day this week.
Residents whose homes are without adequate cooling mechanisms, may want to take advantage of the centers.
During periods of extremely hot weather, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health advises residents of the following safety tips:
[list type=”BW”]
[li]Wear light-colored, loose fitting clothing[/li]
[li]Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies.[/li]
[li]Slow down. Avoid strenuous exertion on hot days. If you must do arduous activity, do it during the coolest time of the day, which is usually in the morning or evening.[/li]
[li]Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sun. Try to go to a public building with air conditioning each day for several hours.[/li]
[li]Watch infants carefully and check on elderly neighbors or relatives often. Young children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.[/li]
[/list]The Salvation Army’s Operation Cool Breeze is providing donated fans and air conditioners to qualified local residents. Assistance is available to those who are at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty line. Applicants need to bring a photo ID, Social Security card and income verification, such as a paycheck stub, to the Salvation Army’s social service office at 2901 N. Clinton St. between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays. The program is also accepting donations of new or gently used fans and window air conditioners at its North Clinton Street facility. For more information, call (260) 744-2311.
Mayor Henry is also encouraging local businesses to allow residents to briefly take shelter from oppressive heat, as needed.
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