FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 1, 2006
Community centers offer cool shelter
Citizens looking for a place to beat the heat can take advantage of the City’s community centers during their regular business hours.
The following are City of Kansas City, Mo., community centers that are available for people who need a cool place to spend some time:
Tony Aguirre Community Center, 2050 West Pennway, Monday through Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday: closed.
Brush Creek Community Center, 3801 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd., Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday: closed.
Gregg Community Center and Klice Fitness Center, 1600 John "Buck" O'Neil Way, Monday through Friday: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday: closed.
Hillcrest Community Center, 10401 Hillcrest Road, Monday through Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday: closed.
Kansas City North Community Center, 3930 N.E. Antioch Road, Monday through Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday: closed.
Line Creek Community Center, 5940 N.W. Waukomis Drive, Monday through Thursday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday: 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Marlborough Community Center, 8200 The Paseo, Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday: closed.
Southeast Community Center, 3601 E. 63rd St., Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday: closed.
Westport-Roanoke Community Center, 3601 Roanoke Road, Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday: closed.
Special cooling centers with expanded hours will be opened if a heat warning is issued. A heat warning is issued by the Health Department when the heat index is scheduled to reach 105 degrees at Kansas City International Airport by 11 a.m. A heat emergency will be issued by the Health Department when the heat index is scheduled to reach 105 degrees at KCI by 11 a.m. for three consecutive days or the temperature is greater than 85 degrees at night or 130 degrees on any day. The criteria were established after analyzing heat illness and injury data from the 1980 heat wave, which resulted in 157 deaths.
Meanwhile, the City Health Department's heat advisory issued July 14 remains in effect for Kansas City for the rest of the summer.
The following are 10 precautions to take during times of extreme heat:
1. 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.
2. Avoid too much sunshine, and postpone outdoor activities and games.
3. A cool shower is a great way to cool off, but avoid sudden temperature changes. Allow your body to become acclimated after coming in from high outside temperatures.
4. Seek relief from any hot environment. If you have air conditioning, stay indoors. If not, go to an air-conditioned or cooler place.
5. Avoid using only a fan during periods of high heat. Using a fan alone can have adverse effects by blowing hot air on the body, resulting in heating the body instead of cooling it.
6. Keep heat outside and cool air inside.
7. Conserve electricity not needed to keep you cool.
8. If you have to work outside, take frequent breaks, rest in the shade and drink plenty of water.
9. Dress for the weather: wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing; lightweight, light-colored 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.
10. Check on your neighbors, friends and relatives at least twice a day (morning and night). If you are not absolutely sure of their welfare, consider calling 9-1-1.
For more information about heat-related illnesses, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web page (www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/extremeheat/) about extreme heat.
Heat information also can be found on the Health Department's Web page (www.kcmo.org/health). For general information on heat signs and symptoms, call the Action Center, (816) 513-1313.
For heat information and community resources, call the Health Department's community partner United Way 211 line, at 2-1-1 or (816) 474-5112.
