Dangerous heat here for the week, Independence opening a cooling site to help

The National Weather Service has predicted heat indexes between 100 degrees and 110 degrees Fahrenheit in our area from Tuesday, July 25, through Sunday, July 30. Additionally, overnight temperatures will only cool into the 70s, and high humidity will make regulating body temperatures difficult. The Roger T. Sermon Center has been activated as a cooling site throughout this period. It will be open July 25 through July 29 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and on Sunday, July 30, from noon until 6 p.m.

Everyone is encouraged to avoid strenuous outdoor activities if possible. If you cannot avoid outdoor activities, please plan to work early in the morning or after the sun has gone down when temperatures are cooler. It is important to remain hydrated and drink non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day. Light-colored, lightweight clothing can help as well.

Heat-related illnesses can be fatal. It is important you take precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your pets during the extreme heat. If an individual is showing symptoms of heat stroke, please call 9-1-1 right away.

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 any of the symptoms above, move the person to a cool place and use a cool bath or cloth to help lower their temperature until help arrives. Do not give them anything to drink.

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.