City of San Antonio identifies cooling locations
-New locations to cool off available to seniors and others at risk-

The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (SAMHD) is issuing the second heat advisory of the summer and asking the community to keep a close watch on neighbors or relatives affected most by excessive heat conditions, usually infants, young children and the elderly.

"Most importantly we need to take care of each other, check that everyone is okay and offer assistance when needed," said Thomas Schlenker, Director of SAMHD.

Every public library is open and visitors seeking to cool off are encouraged to visit these during the day. Locations and hours of operation can be found at http://www.mysapl.org/locations.aspx.

Moreover, the City will use senior and community centers as additional sites where the public can come in from the heat. These include Granados Adult and Senior Center, Dawson Community Center, Tobin Community Center, Southside Lions Community Center and others. A complete listing of all location addresses and hours of operation will be announced tomorrow morning and posted on the City's website. In addition, nine City pools will be open from 1-7 p.m. on August 27 and 28, and September 3-5. These nine pools include Dellview, Fairchild, Southside Lions, Heritage, Roosevelt, Cuellar, Woodlawn, Spring Time, and LBJ. In addition, the City Natatorium is open daily, year-round. More information can be found at http://www.sanantonio.gov/parksandrec/swimming.aspx.

Residents are warned that the danger of heat-related injuries and the potential for fatalities increase under a Level II alert. If they do not live in a home with air conditioning or cannot visit one during the severest heat of the day (typically between 2-7 p.m.), they are encouraged to visit an air-conditioned facility such as a shopping mall or library, or call one of the community resources below to seek air-conditioned relief.

The following health precautions continue to be recommended under a Level II alert to avoid dehydration, heat-related illnesses or more severe consequences, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.
 - Drink non-alcoholic and caffeine-free liquids, such as water and juices.
 - Be aware of those at high risk, such as the elderly, infants and children up to 4 years of age or individuals who are overweight. Check on elderly parents, relatives, acquaintances and neighbors as often as possible.
 - Do not leave infants, children, the elderly or pets unattended in a parked car (even if the windows are down or the air conditioning is on) or any other hot environment.
 - Plan to exercise and do other strenuous activities early or late in the day when it is cooler or utilize air-conditioned facilities.
 - Use an umbrella, hat or sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun, and wear loose-fitting and light clothing to help heat escape away from your body. Rest frequently in a shady area.
 - Ask your physician whether you are at particular risk because of medication.
 - Remember to leave fresh water in the bowl for pets kept outdoors and provide as much shade as possible. Change the water frequently to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
 - If you feel any symptoms of heat illness such as dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps or headache, immediately stop all activity and move to a cooler area to rest and drink fluids.

Medical attention should be sought if symptoms do not improve.

Community members can contact the National Weather Service for the most current weather conditions at 830-606-3617 or visit www.weather.gov/sanantonio for current hourly weather.

For Further Assistance:
If you have an emergency, call: 911
For utility assistance, call CPS: 210-353-2222
For fan assistance, call the United Way Help Line: 211
For non-emergency information, call: 311 (Hours 7 a.m.-11 p.m.)