When temperatures rise above 90 degrees, everyone is at risk, but the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illness. Signs of heat-related illness include headache, dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, confusion and pale or flushed skin. The American Red Cross recommends the following treatment for people suffering from heat-related illness:
- Move the victim to a cool place.
- Give him or her cool water to drink.
- Apply ice packs or cool wet cloths to the skin.
- If a victim refuses water, vomits, or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Tips for preventing heat-related illness
- Stay indoors if possible. Stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air-conditioning, go to a public place that does, including the City of Detroit cooling centers. If outside, stay in the shade.
- Drink water. Even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
- Wear light-colored clothing. (Avoid wearing black clothes, especially if you’re in direct sunlight.) Loose fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Never leave a person, especially children or the elderly, or a pet in a closed, parked vehicle. The temperature inside the car can become 30 to 40 degrees hotter than the outside temperature.
- Slow down and avoid strenuous activity. If you must work outside, take frequent breaks.
- Visit at-risk people twice a day and watch them for signs of heat illness.
- Speak with your doctor about any medications you are taking to learn whether they may interfere with your body’s ability to regulate temperature.
- Do not use salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
List of Detroit Cooling Centers
Crowell Recreation Center
16630 Lahser Road | 313) 628-2050
Monday – Friday from noon – 8 p.m.
Coleman A. Young Recreation Center
2751 Robert Bradby Dr. | (313) 628-0995
Monday – Friday from noon – 8 p.m.
Farwell Recreation Center
2711 E. Outer Drive | (313) 628-2028
Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Patton Recreation Center
2301 Woodmere | (313) 628-2001
Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Main Library – 5201 Woodward Avenue, near Warren | (313) 481-1300
T, W: Noon – 8 p.m. | Th, F, Sa: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Campbell Branch – 8733 W. Vernor | (313) 481-1550
M, W: Noon – 8 p.m. | T, Th, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Chaney Branch – 16101 Grand River, near Greenfield | (313) 481-1570
M, W, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | T, Th: Noon – 8 p.m.
Chase Branch – 17731 W. Seven Mile, near Southfield | (313) 481-1580
M, W, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | T, Th: Noon – 8 p.m.
Conely Branch – 4600 Martin, near Michigan | (313) 481-1590
M, W, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | T, Th: Noon – 8 p.m.
Edison Branch – 18400 Joy Rd., near Southfield | (313) 481-1720
M, W: Noon – 8 p.m. | T, Th, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Elmwood Park Branch – 550 Chene, near Lafayette | (313) 481-1730
M, W, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | T, Th: Noon – 8 p.m.
Franklin Branch – 13651 E. McNichols, near Gratiot | (313) 481-1740
M, W, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | T, Th: Noon – 8 p.m.
Hubbard Branch – 12929 W. McNichols, near James Couzens | (313) 481-1750
M, W: Noon – 8 p.m. | T, Th, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thomas Jefferson Branch – 12350 E. Outer Drive, near E. Warren | (313) 481-1760
M, W: Noon – 8 p.m. | T, Th, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Knapp Branch – 13330 Conant, near E. Davison | (313) 481-1770
M, W: Noon – 8 p.m. | T, Th, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Parkman Branch – 1766 Oakman Blvd., near Linwood | (313) 481-1810
M, W: Noon – 8 p.m. | T, Th, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Redford Branch – 21200 Grand River, near W. McNichols | (313) 481-1820
M, W: Noon – 8 p.m. | T, Th, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sherwood Forest Branch – 7117 W. Seven Mile, near Livernois | (313) 481-1840
M, W, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | T, Th: Noon – 8 p.m.
Skillman Branch – 121 Gratiot, near Library Street | (313) 481-1850
M, T, W, Th, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.