St. Charles Churches, Senior Centers Open as Cooling Centers

Temperatures in the St. Charles area are expected to stay near 100 all week long. The high is expected to reach the 98 today with a heat index value up to 110, according to forecasts.

Wednesday could bring highs near 99 and a heat index of 110. A high of 100 is expected on Thursday and Friday.

Several area churches in St. Charles have volunteered to serve as cooling centers for people needing assistance during the extreme heat. These temporary cooling stations will be air-conditioned and provide water. Food or other accommodations will not be provided.  Additional sites will be identified as they become available.

. Harvester Christian Church/Student Center, 2950 Kings Crossing, St. Charles. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m Tuesday. 636-928-7651 

. , 2002 Randolph St., St. Charles, MO. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. 636-946-4719

. Main Street Church, 116 North Main St., St. Charles, MO Noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday. 636-395-0115.

In addition, the following Senior Centers in St. Charles County have opened their doors to the public during this excessive heat advisory.  The following sites offer air conditioning and cool water from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday:

. St. Charles Senior Center, 1455 Fairgrounds Road, 636-949-0658 (near Bass Pro Shop) 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

As reminder, be sure to drink plenty of water, rest in the shade, and watch for signs of heat illness or exhaustion -- symptoms include:  dizziness, muscle weakness, and nausea or vomiting. In the event of a heat-related emergency, call 911. 

Here are additional key points to keep in mind as provided by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

• Elderly people (65 years and older), infants and children and people with chronic medical conditions are more prone to heat stress.

• Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. During conditions of extreme heat, spend time in locations with air-conditioning such as shopping malls, public libraries, or public health sponsored heat-relief shelters in your area.

• Get informed. Listen to local news and weather channels or contact your local public health department during extreme heat conditions for health and safety updates

• Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages and increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level.