Extreme Heat Readiness: Cooling Centers In Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH, RI — High temperatures and humidity are expected to slam Southern New England and much of the country over the next few days, causing real-feel temperatures well over 100 degrees. When it comes to extreme heat, it's important to plan ahead to prevent heat-related illnesses and check in on elderly neighbors and family, who are more susceptible. To combat the extreme temperatures, cooling centers have been set up around the state.

Heat-Related Illness

To prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke, the Rhode Island Department of Health encourages residents to take the following steps:

• Drink more fluids than usual, and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more fluids.
• Avoid alcohol or liquids that contain high amounts of sugar.
• Check on friends and neighbors, particularly those who are caring for young children and those who are elderly.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.
• Stay out of the sun. Find a shaded area where you can sit and relax, particularly during the hottest parts of the day.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Add a hat if you must be outside.
• Limit outdoor activities, especially at mid-day. If you exercise outdoors, move your workout to a morning or evening time, take it indoors to an air-conditioned environment, or try swimming, which is a great summer exercise.
• If you work outside, wear sunscreen and re-apply frequently, pace your activity, stay hydrated and check on co-workers.
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down, particularly if you're unable to be in an air-conditioned location.
• Avoid turning on your oven, if possible. It will make your house hotter.
• Never leave young children or pets in parked cars, even with the windows down.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale or clammy skin, a faint or weak pulse, nausea or vomiting and fainting. To treat symptoms of heat exhaustion, move the person to a cooler area and loosen clothing. Have them sip water and apply cool, wet cloths to help cool them down. Seek medical attention if they begin to vomit, symptoms don't go away for more than an hour or if symptoms get worse.

Heat stroke, meanwhile, is a more serious condition. Symptoms include a high body temperature of 103 degrees or more, skin that is hot, dry, red or moist, rapid pulse, confusion and loss of consciousness. If someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911 immediately and then move the person to a cooler area and apply cold cloths or put the person in a cool bath to lower their body temperature.

Cooling Centers

A full list of cooling centers can be found on the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency's website. Here's where you can cool off in Portsmouth.

Portsmouth Multi-Purpose Senior Center: 110 Bristol Ferry Rd.

• Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.