Tips for residents to stay safe
With the extreme temperatures this week, Dearborn and Dearborn Heights are providing residents with a series of resources and recommendations amid the extreme heat, including a list of cooling centers that are available.
There are five cooling center locations across Dearborn, and all locations are open during regular business hours. The locations are:
• The Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave.
• Bryant Library, 22100 Michigan Ave.
• Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Ave.
• Esper Library, 12929 W. Warren Ave.
• Dearborn Police Department, 16909 Michigan Ave.
“Summer weather is finally upon us and we want to ensure residents know how to stay cool and safe in these weather conditions,” Dearborn Public Health Director Ali Abazeed said. “We ask our community members to please take all appropriate precautions to stay protected.”
In Dearborn Heights, the locations are:
• Caroline Kennedy Library, 24590 George, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.
• John F. Kennedy Library, 24602 Van Born, noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
• Richard A. Young Recreation Center, 5400 McKinley, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Wednesday; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
• Berwyn Senior Recreation Center, 16155 Richardson, 8:30 to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
• Eton Senior Recreation Center, 4900 Pardee, :30 to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
In addition to the government facilities, there are several other local locations in the area that serve as good places to escape the heat temporarily:
• Malls and shopping centers offer a way to stay cool, get some shopping done, get some walking exercise, and take advantage of several other activities (such as movie theatres, dining, etc.).
• Museums and libraries provide an opportunity to stay cool indoors for an afternoon while viewing some items and information of interest, or catching up on some reading.
Particularly during these extreme conditions, all residents are advised to take heat-related precautions:
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.
• Make sure your pets have access to plenty of fresh water.
• Reduce your intake of caffeinated beverages.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor work, and pace yourself – don’t overdo it.
• Wear lightweight clothing.
• Pace yourself – don’t overdo it.
• Stay cool indoors. If your home does not have air conditioning, visit a public building or a nearby shopping mall.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Check on elderly, disabled or ill friends and relatives regularly.
• Do not leave children or pets in parked cars.
• Look out for your neighbors, particularly those who are elderly or experience physical limitations.
Under these conditions, heat stroke can occur quickly. Signs of heat stroke include a body temperature that exceeds 103 degrees, lack of sweating, rapid pulse, headache, nausea, confusion and even unconsciousness. If someone is suffering from these symptoms, health officials recommend the victim be cooled rapidly, to 101 or 102 degrees, and a call placed to 911 for immediate health care.
Pet owners should also be mindful to protect their pets from the extreme heat, by keeping them out of direct sunlight and hot environments as much as possible, and making sure they have plenty of cool drinking water.
For more information on coping with the heat, check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/extremeheat.
• Make sure your home is well insulated.
• Make sure your air conditioning is working.
• Cover your windows with curtains.
• Have an emergency kit on hand.
• Check in on vulnerable neighbors or others you may know.
For your own personal safety:
• Stay hydrated.
• Dress in light, loose-fitting clothes.
• Avoid strenuous work.
• Spend time in air-conditioned places.
If you are not feeling well and suspect it may be heat-related, be sure to look for signs of heat exhaustion, heat cramps or heat stroke. Contact a health professional immediately if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
Heat Exhaustion — heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps exhaustion, weakness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and fainting.
Heat Cramps — muscle pain and muscle spasms,
Heat Stroke — extremely high body temperature, hot dry red skin, rapid strong pulse, headache, nausea, confusion, and unconsciousness.
To see all of the recommendations and resources from DPH, go to: www.facebook.com/CityofDearborn/posts/403850131783800.