8/23/2007
Media Contact:
Margie Smith-Simmons, [317] 327-3690
Debbie Fletcher, [317] 327-7501 |
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Mayor activates 'extreme heat' plan
Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson and the Indianapolis/Marion County Emergency Management Agency today activated the city's 'extreme heat' plan and reminded people about the hazards of the high heat forecasted for Indianapolis and some steps residents can take to be safe. This is the second time this summer the 'extreme heat' plan has been activated.
The 'extreme heat' plan extends hours of operation for parks and community centers, sets up temporary shelters and cooling centers and provides other assistance to local residents.
Over the next few days, temperatures are forecasted to be in the mid to high-90's and will combine with high humidity to push the heat index in excess of 100 degrees. This will increase the chance of heat-related illnesses.
"Residents need to know that there are places for them to go to escape the heat," Peterson said. "A wide array of city and community services are at our disposal to help prevent heat-related illnesses.
Extreme heat plan. Since temperatures and the heat index are expected to climb to potentially hazardous levels, the city today activated the emergency 'extreme heat' plan, which extends hours of operation for parks and community centers, sets up temporary shelters and cooling centers, initiates additional community outreach and provides other assistance to local residents.
Below is a list of community centers, pools, spray parks and other facilities available throughout the city, free of charge, that offer options for residents to stay cool and avoid the heat:
COMMUNITY CENTERS
Concord Center 1310 S. Meridian St.
Flanner House 2424 Dr. MLK Blvd.
Forest Manor 5603 E 38th St.
George T. Goodwin Center 3935 Mooresville Rd.
John Boner 2236 E. 10th St.
Martin Luther King 40 W. 40th St.
Mary Rigg 1920 W. Morris St.
Southeast MSC 901 Shelby St.
In addition, all Indy Parks family centers will be open until 9p.m. For a complete list please call 327-PARK or go to: www.IndyParks.org
INDY PARKS SPRAY GROUNDS
Andrew Ramsey Park 310 W 42nd St.
Arsenal Park 1400 E 46th St.
Bowman Park 3600 Auburn Rd.
Haughville Park 500 Belleview Pl.
Municipal Gardens 1831 Lafayette Rd.
Washington Park 3130 E 30th St.
Windsor Village Park 2501 N Kenyon St.
61st & Broadway Park 6051 N. Broadway St.
INDY PARKS INDOOR POOLS
Krannert Park 605 S. High School Rd, 4-9 p.m.
Thatcher Park 4649 W Vermont St., 12-9 p.m.
Emergency Management will continue to monitor the weather with the Marion County Health Department (MCHD), the American Red Cross of Indianapolis and other agencies. Emergency Management also is encouraging people to take precautions against the heat:
- Increase your fluid intake regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you feel thirsty.
- Limit exercise in a hot environment, and drink two to four glasses of fruit juice or a sports beverage each hour.
- Avoid drinks containing caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar. Also avoid very cold beverages because they can cause stomach cramps.
- Stay indoors and in an air-conditioned environment. If air conditioning is not available, consider a visit to the shopping mall or public library for a few hours.
- Electric fans may be useful to increase comfort and to draw cool air into your home at night, but do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device during a heat wave.
- When the temperature is in the high 90s or higher, a fan will not prevent heat-related illness. A cool shower or bath is a more effective way to cool off.
- If you must be outside, plan your activities so that you are out either before noon or in the evening.
- While outdoors, rest frequently in a shady area so that your body's thermostat has a chance to recover.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. When outdoors, a wide-brimmed hat will provide shade and keep the head cool.
- NEVER leave a person or an animal in a closed, parked vehicle.
- Wear sunscreen to protect skin from the sun's harmful rays.
- If unaccustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly, pick up the pace gradually and limit your exercise or work time.
- Check regularly on those at greatest risk of heat-related illness: infants and children up to four years of age, people 65 years of age, or older people who are overweight people who are ill or on certain medications.
Key agencies and phone numbers:
- Call Connect-to-Help at 211 for all human services related issues.
- If you have heat related issues to report to the MCHD, please call 221-2106.
- The Central Area Council on Aging also will distribute information on precautions at 254-3660.
- If you or someone you know is in need of a fan or other assistance, Community Action of Greater Indianapolis is providing them at no charge to clients who meet their criteria. If you would like further information on this service, please contact 396-1800 or 524-6950.
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