Free cooling centers open due to heat advisory
Olivia GarrettAs temperatures rise, the city of Corpus Christi has several free cooling centers available for residents.
At the beginning of the summer, the city and Reliant partnered to open four cooling centers at Ethel Eyerly Senior Center, Oveal Williams Senior Center, Lindale Senior Center and Greenwood Senior Center. The city also plans to distribute free fans while supplies last from 9-10 a.m. Saturday, July 13 at Lindale Senior Center and from 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 at Greenwood Senior Center.
When the National Weather Service forecasts above-average temperatures and moisture leading to high heat index values, the city publicizes additional cooling locations.
A heat advisory was issued Monday and Tuesday. On Tuesday, heat indices of 110 degrees or higher are possible through 7 p.m., which can lead to an increased risk of heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
According to the Tuesday heat advisory, residents should drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Eight senior centers and six public libraries will be open this week as cooling centers through Sunday. Individuals can ride fare-free to the nearest cooling center through the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority by informing their bus operator.
- Ethel Everyly Senior Center at 654 Graham Road: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday
- Garden Senior Center at 5325 Greely Drive: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday
- Lindale Senior Center at 3135 Swantner Drive: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday
- Broadmoor Senior Center at 1651 Tarlton Street: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday
- Northwest Senior Center at 9725 Up River Road: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday
- Oveal Williams Senior Center at 1414 Martin Luther King Drive: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Thursday
- Zavala Senior Center at 510 Osage Street: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday
- Greenwood Senior Center at 4040 Greenwood Drive: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday
- La Retama Central Public Library at 805 Comanche Street: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 1-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Anita & W.T. Neyland Public Library at 1230 Carmel Parkway: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday ant 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday
- Ben F. McDonald Public Library at 4044 Greenwood Drive: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 1-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Owen R. Hopkins Public Library at 3202 McKinzie Road: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 1-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Dr. Clotilde P. Garcia Public Library at 5930 Brockhampton Street: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 1-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Janet F. Harte Public Library at 2629 Waldron Road: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 1-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Animal Care Services will also be responding to calls concerning pets left outside in the heat. Pets should be brought inside in extreme heat and given extra water. Pets should never be left in cars, according to the city news release.
This summer, there are also numerous pools and splash pads where residents can beat the heat.
Read more about where to cool off:Beat the heat: Here's where to cool off in Corpus Christi
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 1,220 people in the U.S. are killed by extreme heat each year.
Factors that can increase the risk of heat-related illness include high levels of humidity, obesity, fever, dehydration, prescription drug use, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn and alcohol use.
To avoid heat-related illness, stay hydrated with water, stay cool in an air conditioned area and wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothes.
The signs and symptoms of heat stroke include a high body temperature of 103 degrees or higher; hot, red, dry or damp skin; fast, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and passing out. Heat stroke is an emergency and the CDC recommends calling 911, moving the person to a cooler place and helping lower the person's temperature with cool cloths or a cool path. Do not give the person anything to drink.
The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are heavy sweating; cold, pale and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea and vomiting; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness; dizziness; headache; and fainting. The CDC recommends moving to a cool place, loosening clothes, using cool cloths or a cool bath and sipping water. Get medical help if the individual is throwing up, if symptoms worsen or if symptoms last longer than one hour.
To learn more about other heat-related illnesses, including heat cramps, sunburn and heat rash, visit https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/signs-symptoms/index.html.
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