News from City Hall

City Communications Office

City of Kansas City, Mo.

www.kcmo.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 27, 2012

Protect your health during times of extreme heat

The City of Kansas City, Mo., in recognition of an Excessive Heat Warning issued by the National Weather Service, encourages residents to follow the below heat safety tips:

Do not use a fan as your primary source of cooling. If your home does not have air conditioning, please go to a public building every day for several hours. The City’s Community Centers are open as cooling centers during regular business hours. Please visit www.kcmo.org/parks and click on the “Community Centers” drop-down box for information on Community Centers.

Check on your neighbors, friends and relatives at least twice a day (morning and night).

Never leave children, pets or others alone in closed vehicles: within minutes, the temperature inside a car can reach over 140 degrees and this can kill within minutes.

If you have to work outside or in a non-air-conditioned workplace, take frequent breaks, rest in the shade or cooler environment, and drink plenty of water.

Avoid too much sunshine, and postpone outdoor activities and games.

Avoid extreme temperature changes, such as a taking a cool shower immediately after coming inside from hot temperatures.

Stay indoors as much as possible during the heat of the day in an air-conditioned environment.

Dress for the weather: wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing; this type of clothing reflects heat and helps maintain normal body temperature. If you have to be outside, cover as much skin as possible to avoid sunburn. Protect your face and head with a wide-brimmed hat.

For more information on keeping cool in heat, please visit www.kcmo.org/heat.

For heat information and community resources, call the Health Department's community partner United Way 2-1-1, at 211 or 816-474-5112.

Media inquiries may be directed to Jeff Hershberger, public information officer, at 816-840-2548 (pager).

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