Extreme Heat Coming to Southwest Michigan – Here are 7 Important Things To Do

With temperatures headed north of 90 for the next few days, Kalamazoo County is setting up cooling centers and offering tips to deal with the extreme heat.

Kalamazoo County is opening an emergency cooling center at the Douglass Community Center  at 1000 West Paterson Street in Kalamazoo.  This center will provide cool air to the public during normal business hours, which are Monday through Friday, 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  If a heat advisory is issued during the weekend,  this center will be opened at that time, too.

Important Seven Things To Remember During a Heat Wave

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings, if you can.
• Wear sunscreen (at least SPF 15) and re-apply every two hours, after swimming or exercising.
• Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.
• Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day.
• Stay Hydrated; Drink more than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Make sure your family, friends and neighbors are drinking enough water.
• Never, ever leave children, elderly persons, or pets in parked vehicles.  Vehicles heat up very quickly and can become dangerous, even with the windows open.