8/7/2007
Media Contact:
Margie Smith-Simmons, [317] 327-3690
Debbie Fletcher, [317] 327-7501 |
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Mayor, city officials activate 'extreme heat' plan
Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson today joined with the Indianapolis/Marion County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) to remind people residents about the hazards of a heat wave that is expected to hit Indianapolis this week and some steps residents can take to be safe.
He also activated the city's "extreme heat" plan, which will extend hours of operation for parks and community centers, set-up temporary shelters and cooling centers, initiate additional community outreach and provide other assistance to local residents.
During the next few days temperatures are forecasted to be in the mid-90's and will combine with high humidity to possibly push the heat index into the 105 110 degree range. This will increase the chance of heat-related illnesses.
"Residents who may need help need to know that there are places for them to go to escape the heat," Mayor Peterson said. "A wide array of city and community services are at our disposal to help prevent heat-related illnesses.
This week, EMA will be constantly monitoring the situation with the Marion County Health Department (MCHD), the American Red Cross of Indianapolis and other service agencies. EMA 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 anyone 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.
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 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.
SPRAY GROUNDS
Andrew Ramsey Park 310 W 12th St.
Arsenal Park 1400 E 46th St.
Bowman Park 3600 Auburn Rd.
Christian Park 1200 English Ave.
Douglass Park 2759 Dr. Andrew J. Brown
Haughville Park 500 Belleview Pl.
Municipal Gardens 1831 Lafayette Rd.
Washington Park 3130 E 30th St.
Willard Park 1700 E Washington St.
Windsor Village Park 2501 N Kenyon St.
61st & Broadway Park 6051 N. Broadway St.
POOLS
Bethel Park 2850 Bethel Ave.
Broad Ripple Park 1550 Broad Ripple Ave.
Brookside Park 3500 Brookside Pkwy.
Douglass Park 1616 E 25th St.
Eagle Creek Beach 7840 W 56th St.
Ellenberger Park 5301 E St Clair St.
Garfield Park 2345 Pagoda Dr.
Gustafson Park 3130 Moller Rd.
Indy Island 8575 E Raymond St.
MLK Park 601 E 17th St.
Krannert Park 605 S. High School Rd.
Lashonna Bates Aquatic Center 1450 S. Reisner St.
Northwestway Park 5253 W 62nd St.
Perry Park 451 E Stop 11 Rd.
Rhodius Park 1720 W Wilkins St.
Riverside Park 2420 N Riverside East Dr.
Sahm Park 6801 E 91st St.
Thatcher Park 4649 W Vermont St.
Wes Montgomery Park 3501 N Hawthorne Ln.
Willard Park 1901 E. Washington St.
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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