Ankeny Opens Cooling Center

From a PRESS RELEASE

The City of Ankeny has opened a cooling center for people to temporarily get out of the heat. According to the National Weather Service forecast, the day time temperature will reach a high of more than 100 degrees by Tuesday with an extended heat forecast through the weekend. 

The cooling center is located at fire headquarters, 120 NW Ash Drive. The center will be open from noon until 8 p.m., each day until further notice and is staffed by members of the Ankeny Community Emergency Response Team and fire department personnel. The cooling center cannot accommodate pets. 

For information or assistance, residents can call 2-1-1.

Residents are urged to take precautions to prevent serious illness that can result from the heat, especially among vulnerable individuals such as seniors and those with chronic health problems. Individuals who are vulnerable should use air conditioning to stay cool, go to a place that has air conditioning if it is not available at home, drink water at regular intervals and limit strenuous activity, especially during the hottest parts of the day. 

FACTS ABOUT HEAT ILLNESS 

Heat illness is serious. Prolonged exposure to the heat can be harmful and potentially fatal. The added stress caused by heat can also aggravate heart or lung disease even without symptoms of heat illness. The risk for getting sick during a heat wave is increased for people who:

• Do not have or do not use air conditioning
• Are age 65 or older
• Have chronic medical or mental health conditions
• Take certain medications, which can disrupt the regulation of body temperature
• Are confined to their beds, have trouble with being mobile, or are unable to leave their homes
• Are overweight
• Consume alcohol or illegal drugs

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT STRESS 

If you (or someone you know) feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911 

Call 911 immediately if you have, or someone you know has:

• Hot dry skin OR cold clammy skin
• Trouble breathing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting

CHECK ON THOSE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO THE HEAT 

A small but crucial gesture can help ensure that all residents are safe and healthy: Get to know your neighbors, and contact neighbors and relatives - in person or by phone - at least twice a day during heat waves.

• Pay special attention to the elderly, the very young, and anyone with a pre-existing medical condition.
• Air conditioning is the best way to keep cool when it is hot outside, but some people do not have an air conditioner or do not turn it on when they need it. Encourage them to use air conditioning. Help them get to an air-conditioned place if they cannot stay cool at home. Make sure they are drinking enough water..