The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department says cooling stations around the city will be open for extended hours Sunday and Monday due to the excessive heat that will be settling in. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for Lincoln and Lancaster County from noon Sunday until 8 p.m. Monday.
Dangerously hot conditions are expected with heat index values up to 115 degrees. “Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help prevent heat-related illnesses, says health director Kerry Kernen. She says the following cooling centers are offering extended hours and will be open until 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday.
- Anderson Branch Library, 3635 Touzalin Ave., 402-441-8540
- Bennett Martin Library, 136 S. 14th St., 402-441-8500
- F Street Community Center, 1225 F St., 402-441-7951
- Victory Park Senior Center, 600 S. 70th St., 402-441-7070
During regular business hours, all Lincoln City Libraries and Lincoln Parks and Recreation Centers are available as cooling centers. Aging Partners Senior Centers are also available. The health department says use a fan to cool off, only when indoor temperatures are less than 90 degrees.
Aging Partners has a limited number of fans for distribution on a first-come-first-served basis to adults age 60 and over. No financial screening is needed. For more information, call 402-441-8815. We have tips on how you and your pets can stay safe during this heat wave by clicking here.
Kernen says make sure you know the signs of heat illness. “If your body gets too hot, you can get sick.” Heat exhaustion can develop following exposure to high temperatures. Symptoms include heavy sweating, rapid heartbeat, cold, pale clammy skin, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and fatigue.
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It’s a medical emergency characterized by a body temperature of above 103⁰ F or greater. Symptoms include hot, red skin, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, confusion, passing out.
Here are some local extreme heat resources:
- Extreme Heat website – lincoln.ne.gov/heat. Website can be translated into several languages by selecting the language of your choice in the upper right corner of the page.
- Stay Safe in Extreme Heat Information Sheet in multiple languages
- Local Cooling Centers
- National Weather Service – Omaha/Valley Office – weather.gov/oax