Cooling Shelters Can Provide Some Relief From The Heat
Cooling shelters are now available in Richmond County to give those without air conditioning a chance to get out of the heat during the day.
Several of Augusta’s Recreation, Parks, and Facilities Buildings being used as cooling shelters are listed below, with hours they are available.
- Carrie J. Mays Center 1014 11th Avenue, Augusta 10:30 am-7:00 pm
- Bernie Ward Center 1941 Lumpkin Road, Augusta 9:00 am-8:00 pm
- Blythe Center 3129 Highway 88, Blythe 9:30 am-6:00 pm
- Henry Brigham Center 2463 Golden Camp Road, Augusta 11:00 am-8:00 pm
- May Park 622 4th Street, Augusta 9:30 am-8:00 pm
- McBean Center 1155 Hephzibah/McBean Road 8:30 am-6:00 pm
- Sand Hills Center 2540 Wheeler Road, Augusta 9:00 am-5:00 pm
- W.T. Johnson Center 1606 Hunter Street, Augusta 9:00 am-12:00 pm
- Warren Road Center 300 Warren Road, Augusta 10:00 am-7:00 pm
- Diamond Lakes Regional Park 4335 Windsor Spring Road 6:00 am-8:00 pm
Normal body temperature for most humans is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, but problems arise when our bodies can’t lose heat fast enough. Everything from organs to enzymes can shut down. It’s important to avoid hard, physical activity during the extreme heat. Drink lots of water. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests drinking one 8-ounce cup every 15 to 20 minutes when working in the heat. Stay indoors or in shaded areas when it’s extremely hot. It’s so important to follow basic safety tips to avoid getting overheated during the hot summer months, and it’s important to know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion occurs when your body loses excess amounts of water and salt, most likely from sweating. Here are the most common warning signs:
- General weakness with an elevated body temperature above 104 degrees
- Increased heavy sweating with a rapid and strong pulse or heart rate
- A weak but faster pulse or heart rate, loss of change of consciousness
- Nausea or vomiting with hot, red, dry, or moist skin
- Possible fainting, lightheadedness, and dizziness
- Pale, cold and clammy skin
To treat heat exhaustion, move to a cool place. Loosen your clothes, sip some water and place a cool, wet cloth on your skin. Spray water on your body with a mister, lie down and raise your feet.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke can be much more serious than heat exhaustion and requires immediate medical attention to prevent complications. Here are the most common warning signs:
- Body temperature above 103 degrees
- Dry skin that doesn’t sweat or skin that becomes very hot sweaty and flushed
- Strong, fast pulse
- Confusion or slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
Call 911 right away. Lower the person’s body temperature with cold water. When the body temperature goes above 104 degrees, the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and brain can all begin to shut down. If the person is awake and can swallow, give them sips of water. Begin CPR if the person loses consciousness and shows no signs of breathing, coughing or movement.
People at the Greatest Risk of Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke
- Babies and children under the age of 4
- Adults older than 65
- Those who are overweight
- People who are out of shape
- Those with certain genetic disorders
- People who are dehydrated
- People who have an Asian-Pacific Islander background
Water Safety For Summer In The CSRA
1. Never Swim Alone
When it comes to swimming, whether in a pool or in the open water, you should never swim alone. Ideally, having a lifeguard present would be best, but if there isn’t one, at least have other people nearby in case of an issue. Swimming with friends is more fun anyway, and it’s good to have people looking out for you and you can look out for them. In open water areas, the chances of having a lifeguard present is very low.
You should follow any posted signed wherever you swim, and never leave children unattended.
2. Use Life Jackets
Regardless of swimming ability, it’s recommended you always wear a life jacket when you’re on a boat. Life jackets should also be used with children and anyone who doesn’t know how to swim. These life jackets should be U.S. Coast Guard-approved and appropriate for your weight and size and the water activity.
3. Understand The Water Environment
For the most part, you know what to expect with a swimming pool. But it’s important that children and those with limited or no swimming abilities know the depth of the pool and the areas where it’s more shallow. When it comes to open water, it’s important to be aware of the risk for currents in a river or the ocean.
Also keep in mind that in new areas, you may not be aware of the depth. This is important to know, and may be more difficult with unclear water. Open water also includes being aware of what may be beneath the water’s surface, including vegetation and wildlife.
4. Enter The Water Feet First
Diving into water that is too shallow could lead to injury or death. It’s important to enter the water properly, and only jump or dive in where it’s safe to do so.
5. Encourage Learning To Swim
Learning to swim can be extremely helpful in preventing water-related injury or death. Even basic swim lessons can teach water competency which includes entering the water, getting a breath, and how to stay afloat.
6. Learn CPR
While knowing water safety can prevent some risks, accidents can still happen. If a drowning or pool-related accident occurs, knowing lifesaving techniques, including CPR could mean the difference between life and death. The American Red Cross offers CPR classes, and you can get details and find the next available class HERE.
