July 22, 2010

High Temperatures Prompt Opening of Cooling Shelters in Hampton

High temperatures are forecasted for this weekend, with a heat index of 107 on Friday and 106 on Saturday and Sunday. Due to the excessive heat, Hampton Human Services and local non-profit organization H.E.L.P. are opening cooling centers at St. John's Church, 100 West Queens Way, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, July 23 and Old Hampton Community Center, 201 Lincoln Street, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25. During these allotted times, additional staff will be available to offer support to those seeking shelter.

Hampton community centers and libraries are also available to citizens seeking shelter from the heat. Normal weekend operating hours are:

• Hampton Main Library: Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Northampton and Willow Oaks Branch Libraries: Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Phoebus Branch Library: Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Saturday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Old Hampton Community Center: Friday 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (additional staff available from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Saturday)
• North Phoebus Community Center: Friday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• Northampton Community Center: Friday 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• West Hampton Community Center: Friday 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Senior Center: Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Citizens are encouraged to conduct their daily activities with caution to avoid heat-related illnesses. They are reminded to drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids; avoid exposure to the heat; dress in cool, loose clothing; and provide plenty of fresh water for pets.

Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others including infants and young children, the elderly, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases. Citizens are encouraged to visit high risk adults at least twice a day and monitor them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Young children should be monitored more closely. Some warning signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion are dizziness, nausea, headache, and fainting or unconsciousness.

For more information on extreme heat, citizens should visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat.

###