Dear Neighbor,
The National Weather Service is expecting hot and humid conditions for much of this week, with temperatures in the 90s and heat index values near and above 100 degrees. As we experience this heat wave, please take precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe, especially children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Below you can find tips on how to keep yourself cool and healthy, as well as a list of cooling centers in and around District 12.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at (517) 373-7315 or by email at SenKHertel@senate.michigan.gov — we are here to serve you.
Sincerely,
Kevin Hertel
State Senator
District 12
Tips to Stay Safe During Heat Waves
During a heat wave, it is important you take steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. This type of heat is dangerous for everyone, but especially elderly individuals and young children. When temperatures rise above 90 degrees, there is an increased risk of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and stroke. Common signs of heat-related illness include headache, dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, confusion, and pale or flushed skin.
To stay healthy when it is hot, residents are encouraged to:
- Drink more fluids and avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar or alcohol.
- Limit outdoor activities to when it is coolest in the morning and evening. If you must work outside, take frequent breaks in the shade or a cool place.
- Spend time indoors with air conditioning. If your home does not have air conditioning, you can find a list of cooling centers below.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear sunscreen, as sunburn affects a body’s ability to cool down.
- Check on neighbors and relatives to determine if they need assistance.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in cars, even with the windows cracked.
If someone you know is experiencing heat-related illness, the American Red Cross recommends:
- Moving the individual to a cool place.
- Giving them cool water to drink.
- Loosening tight clothing and applying ice packs or cool, wet cloths to the skin.
If the symptoms last longer than one hour or if the individual vomits, becomes confused, or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 immediately.
For more information from the American Red Cross, please click here.
Find a Cooling Center Near You
As extreme temperatures head our way, please make sure to stay cool. If you, a loved one or a neighbor need a place to escape the heat, below is a list of cooling center locations in or around District 12 that are open to the public.
Grosse Pointe Farms Cooling Center
The Helm | 158 Ridge Road, (313) 882-9600, For seniors and individuals with disabilities only
- Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Harper Woods Cooling Center
Harper Woods Public Library | 19601 Harper Avenue, (313) 343-2575
- Monday-Wednesday 11:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Chesterfield Cooling Center
Chesterfield Township Library | 50560 Patricia Avenue, (586) 598-4900
- Monday-Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Friday 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Clinton Township Cooling Center
Clinton-Macomb South Library | 35891 South Gratiot Avenue, (586) 226-5070
- Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Harrison Township Cooling Center
Harrison Township Library | 38255 L’Anse Creuse Street, (586) 329-1261
- Tuesday-Friday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Mount Clemens Cooling Centers
Macomb County Health Department | 43525 Elizabeth Road, (586) 469-5235
- Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Macomb County Sheriff’s Office | 43565 Elizabeth Road, (586) 469-5151
- Monday-Sunday 24/7
Martha T. Berry Medical Care Facility | 43533 Elizabeth Road, (586) 469-5265
- Monday- Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Salvation Army, Eastern Michigan Division | 55 Church Street, (586) 469-6712
- Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Algonac Cooling Center
Clair County Library | 2011 St. Clair River Drive, (810) 794-4471
- Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
If possible, call ahead to ensure the cooling center has space and capacity. For additional locations, please dial 2-1-1 or find a complete list of centers in your county at one of the following links: Macomb County | St. Clair County | Wayne County.