Beat the Heat

More Resources

The City's Health Department monitors the heat index during the summer and alerts community partners and the media when the heat poses a threat to the health of Kansas City, Mo. The department provides a Heat Information page that explains who is affected by excessive heat and the furnace effect. They also provide these additional tips:

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View up-to-date heat news.

Stay Cool

3-1-1 Action Center at 311 or 816-513-1313 to request transportation to the nearest City cooling center. This service is provided by Kansas City, Mo., Fire Department personnel. Service animals will be transported, but household pets will not be accepted for transport.

Residents interested in locating a City community center, pool or sprayground can do so by visiting the following links:

Locate City Swimming Pools and Spraygrounds.
The City's Community Centers serve as free cooling centers during regular business hours.

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.
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.

Pet Care

Keep your pet hydrated by providing it with plenty of water. Keep pets out of the sun and preferably indoors. Be careful not to over-exercise them.
Symptoms of pet overheating include: excessive panting/difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, weakness, stupor, collapse, seizures, bloody diarrhea, vomit and body temperatures of 104+ degrees.
Animals with flat faces (i.e. Pugs and Persian cats) are more susceptible to heat stroke because they cannot pant as effectively. These types of pets, along with elderly, overweight and/or sick pets, should be kept cool in air-conditioning as much as possible.
Do not keep pets alone in a parked vehicle – not only can this lead to fatal heat stroke quickly, it is illegal in several states.
Give your pet a haircut to help prevent overheating. Hair should be shaved to one-inch length, but never down to the skin, as fur offers sun protection. Brushing your cat frequently can help prevent problems caused by excessive heat.