Helpful Information! Cool Down During Killer Heatwaves

This summer has been a hot one. I'm not complaining. I'll take the heat over the cold all day long.

Because of the hotter temperatures, we need to make sure that we are doing what we should be to stay cool, to avoid heat related illness.  Here's the scoop on heat related illness according to the CDC.

What happens to the body after extreme heat exposure?

Heat-related illness happens when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. When we sweat we are cooling off our bodies. Sometimes sweating isn't enough and the body temp rises quickly. Extreme heat can cause chaos on our bodies like brain damage or damage to other vital organs.

Who's most likely to suffer from heat related illness?

Infants, children (0-4), those aged 65+, those that are overweight, ill or on certain meds.

Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. This happens when your body cannot control its temperature. Body temp rises, sweating stops, and the body can't cool down. Body temps can rise to 106 within 15 minutes. This is not good. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability. If you or someone you know is suffering from heat stroke, seek emergency treatment.

Warning Signs of Heat Stroke

Be on the look out for an extremely high body temperature (above 103). Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating). Rapid, strong pulse. Throbbing headache. Dizziness. Nausea. Confusion. Unconsciousness.

What Should I Do?

Get yourself or the victim to a shady area. Cool the victim rapidly, using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously. Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102. If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions. Do not give the victim alcohol to drink. Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

Air conditioning has been necessary all summer. If you need to cool off, check out these cooling centers in the Lansing area. The city website has additional info.

Cooling Centers In Lansing

CADL Downtown Library - 401 S Capitol Avenue, Lansing 48933

517-367-6350

Monday through Thursday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Sunday, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm

CATA Transportation Center - 420 S Grand Avenue, Lansing 48933

517-394-1100

Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

City of Lansing Foster Community Center - 200 N Foster Street, Lansing 48912

517-483-4233

Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 9:00 pm

Saturday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

City of Lansing Gier Community Center - 2400 Hall Street, Lansing 48906

517-483-4313

Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 9:00 pm

Saturday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

City of Lansing Letts Community Center - 1220 W Kalamazoo Street, Lansing 48915

517-483-4051

Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

City of Lansing Schmidt Community Center - 5825 Wise Road, Lansing 48911

517-483-6686

Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 9:00 pm

Saturday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

South Lansing Library - 3500 S Cedar Street, Lansing 48910

517-272-9840

Monday through Thursday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Sunday, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm

The Outreach (City Rescue Mission) - 601 N Larch Street, Lansing 48910

517-485-0145

Daily, 6:00 pm to 7:00 am (currently evening only as drop-in center)

Day Shelters

Day shelters are available year-round during the hours posted. Food/meals may be available.

Advent House - 743 N Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Lansing 48915

517-485-4722

Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

City Rescue Mission, Women and Children - 2216 S Cedar Street, Lansing 48910

517-485-0145

Daily, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 am

Holy Cross New Hope Community Center - 430 N Larch Street, Lansing 48912

517-484-4414

Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Services are currently in transition and may be subject to change

Overnight Emergency Shelters

City Rescue Mission, Men's Shelter - 613 E Michigan Avenue, Lansing 48910

517-485-0145

Daily, 6:00 pm to 7:00 am

City Rescue Mission, Women and Children - 2216 S Cedar Street, Lansing 48910

517-485-0145

Daily, 6:00 pm to 7:00 am

Holy Cross New Hope Community Center - 430 N Larch Street, Lansing 48912

517-484-4414

Monday through Sunday, 5:00 pm to 7:00 am

The Outreach Drop-In Center, City Rescue Mission - 601 N Larch Street, Lansing 48910

517-485-0145

Monday through Sunday, 6:00 pm to 7:00 am (hours may expand as resources/staffing become available, showers and laundry facilities available)

Child and Family Charities Gateway Division - 4287 Five Oaks Drive, Lansing 48911

517-882-4000

Hours: 24/7 (for minor youth)

Haven House - 121 Whitehills Drive, East Lansing 48823

517-337-2731

Hours: Required to be on the property by 6:00 pm daily

Loaves and Fishes - 831 N Sycamore Street, Lansing 48906

517-482-2099

Monday - Sunday, 5:00 pm to 9:00 am (must be on the property by 5:00 pm)

The Homeless Angels - 3216 W Main Street, Lansing 48917

517-487-9119

Hours: Required to be on the property by 6:00 pm daily