With all of southwest Michigan Under an "excessive heat" warning, Kalamazoo County officials say they will opening a cooling station to help people cope. The station at the Douglass Community Association, 1000 W. Paterson Street, in Kalamazoo will be open Saturday, June 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. People can get free rides to the cooling station on Metro Transit busses.
County health officials say they are keeping an eye on heat indexes in the area and may re-open the cooling station on Sunday, July 1.
Kalamazoo County Health Officer Jim Rutherford says, “People and animals should stay indoors, especially during the hottest part of the day. If you do not have air-conditioning, go to the cooling shelter at the Douglass Community Association on Saturday or a public space with air-conditioning. Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and drinks with sugar. During physical activity, drink fluids every 15 to 20 minutes. When going out, wear light clothing and never leave any persons, especially infants or young children, or animals in a closed, parked vehicle."
Kalamazoo County health officials say dangerous heat levels can affect anyone, however very young children and older adults are at special risk. So are people who are seriously over-weight or have heart disease or other chronic ailments.
