City Services Help Public Stay Out Of Heat This Summer
Summer hasn’t even officially begun in the Sun City, but the summer-like heat has been around for weeks.
On Monday, the high temperature hit 104, making it the hottest day of the year so far. Although some welcome the heat, getting around it can be difficult for others.
To help beat the heat, the city and other local services have announced and alternative to staying indoors.
Sun Metro welcomes the public to hop on its air-conditioned buses and take ride to any popular, air-conditioned destination, including a shopping center, movie theater, recreational center, library or museum. For the summer, seniors can ride for just 30 cents with a valid ID card. Weekly passes for seniors cost $2.50, and a monthly pass is $10 (excludes County Routes 83 and 84).
Officials at Sun Metro say riding the bus will also helps reduce the use of electricity at home, also reducing monthly utility bills.
The El Paso Public Library also invites the public to spends time at any of its 13 branches. Library officials encourage people to visit and read a book, surf the Web, or just relaxi with a magazine or newspaper.
Each branch has different, free events for children, including story time and arts and crafts.
You can always keep cool by going to a local pool. Here’s a list:
Indoor pools ? Armijo – 911 S.Ochoa. ? Delta Pool – 4451 Delta. ? Hawkins – 1500 Hawkins. ? Leo Cancellare – 650 Wallenberg. ? Marty Robbins – 11065 Vista del Sol. ? Memorial – 3251Copper Avenue. ? Pat O’Rourke – 901 N Virgina St. ? Therapeutic & Instructional – 9031 Viscount. ? Veterans – 5301 Salem. ? William W. Cowan – 8100 Independence. Outdoor Pools ? Chelsea – 819 Chelsea. ? Grandview – 3100 Jefferson. ? Lionel Forti – 1225 Giles. ? Nations – 8831 Railroad. ? Pavo Real – 110 Presa.
If you can’t make it out, you’re still urged to take precaution. The El Paso Fire Department has provided a list of tips to keep cool, as well as warning signs that someone might be suffering a heat-related illness
People older than 65, the very young, people with low blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, malnutrition and those taking certain medications are most at risk of heat related illnesses.
Heat exhaustion is a warning that the body is getting too hot, while a Heat Stroke is when the body organs start to overheat. A heat stroke can result in death.
Signs and symptoms for a heat stroke These signs and symptoms can occur suddenly with little warning: ? Very high temperature. ? Hot, dry, red skin. No sweating. ? Deep breathing and fast pulse. Then shallow breathing and weak pulse. ? Confusion. Hallucinations. ? Convulsions. ? Loss of consciousness. Signs and symptoms for heat exhaustion ? Normal, low, or only slightly elevated body temperature. ? Cool, clammy, pale skin. Sweating. ? Dry mouth. Thirst. ? Fatigue. Weakness. Feeling dizzy. ? Headache. ? Nausea. Vomiting can occur. ? Muscle cramps. First Aid for a Heat Stroke ? Call 9-1-1! ? Move the person to a cool place indoors or under a shady tree. ? Remove clothing. Fan the person. ? Don’t give fever reducing medicine. ? Don’t use rubbing alcohol. First Aid for Heat Exhaustion ? Move to a cool place indoors or in the shade. ? Loosen clothing. ? Drink fluids, such as cool or cold water. drink sport drinks, such as Gatorade, etc. Prevention of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke ? Drink lots of liquids, water, sport drinks, such as Gatorade, etc. ? Do not stay in or leave anyone in a closed, parked car during hot weather. ? Keep your body hydrated by drinking 8oz of cool water every 15 -20 minutes. ? Limit your drinks with alcohol or caffeine. ? Use caution when you are in the sun. At the first sign of heat exhaustion, get out of the sun. ? Perform the most stressful job in the cooler part of the day if possible ? Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, such as cotton, so sweat can evaporate. Wear a widebrimmed hat with vents. Use an umbrella for shade. If you feel hot, try to cool off. Open a window, use a fan or go to an air-conditioned place.
Link:Sun Metro.
