City of Independence Cooling Site will be open from June 28 through 30

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for our area through Friday, June 30. The Roger T. Sermon Community Center, 201 N. Dodgion St., will be available as a cooling site Wednesday, June 28, from Noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, June 29, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday, June 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

It is important to know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses. Heat stroke can be life-threatening. Here are the symptoms to look for:

• High body temperature
• Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
• Fast, strong pulse
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Passing out

If an individual is showing these symptoms, please call 9-1-1 right away. Move the person to a cooler place and utilize cool clothes or a cool bath to help lower their temperature until help arrives. Do not give the individual anything to drink.

Citizens should also take precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their pets during extreme heat. If possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activities and schedule work outdoors during the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. It is important to remain well hydrated, drinking non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day. Finally, please never leave children or pets in the car, even for a few minutes. For further heat-related safety tips, visit ready.gov/heat.

The United Way of Greater Kansas City maintains a list of active cooling centers throughout the region. Call 211 for more information or additional assistance.