Cooling centers for seniors:
-Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Facility
6500 Vernon Woods Drive in Sandy Springs
404-613-4900 (Office)
-H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility
2885 Church St. in East Point
404-762-4821 (Office)
-Harriett G. Darnell Senior Multipurpose Facility
677 Fairburn Road NW in Atlanta
404-613-8580 (Office)
-Helene S. Mills Senior Multipurpose Facility
515 John Wesley Dobbs in Atlanta
404-523-3353 (Office)
People in need of reasonable accommodations due to a disability can call a disability liaison at 404-613-7944. To obtain Georgia Relay Access, dial 711.
To say it’s been hot would be an understatement.
Temperatures have been above average everyday this summer, according to the National Weather Service. Atlanta even reached a record high of 100 degrees for June 25, tying a high set in 1914.
And the weather isn’t expected to cool off anytime soon.
Here’s some information to keep in mind as temperatures continue to soar above 90 degrees.
How does extreme heat affect the body?
High humidity and several other factors affect the body's ability to cool itself, according to the Palm Beach Post. Sweating normally cools the body, but even sweating won't do it if a person's body temperature is increasing too rapidly. When that happens, brain damage or damage to other vital organs becomes possible.
How to know if you’re having a heat stroke?
A heat stroke is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body can no longer regulate its internal temperature, according to the Georgia Department of Human Services. Symptoms include vomiting; dry, hot, pale or red skin; headache; disorientation; and loss of consciousness.
What is heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to long-lasting hot weather. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headache, excessive thirst and feeling weak and vomiting, according to the Georgia Department of Human Services. People experiencing heat exhaustion may not sweat due to dehydration and their skin may feel cool.
Here are a few tips on how to stay cool:
- Go to a cooling center. The Fulton County Office of Aging offers facilities for seniors who don’t have access to air conditioning from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing that is lightweight and light in color. It should cover as much skin as possible.
- Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
- Don’t overwork pets, and make sure they have plenty water and shade. Keep them indoors in extreme heat.
- Avoid work outside during the warmest part of the day, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
See other tips at AJC.com.
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