MARION — With high heat in the forecast, The Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center, 465 Mill St., will be open to any resident who needs relief from the heat through Friday, July 22, Marion officials have announced. 

The center is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Marion officials remind residents to take safety precautions during activities in hot weather, especially those that take place outdoors.

Extreme heat is a prolonged period of very hot weather, which may include high humidity. Temperatures are currently forecast to be in the 90s multiple days this week.

A heat advisory is also in effect on Wednesday, July 20.

To prevent illness and injuries, residents are reminded of the following safety tips from the American Red Cross and National Safety Council:

Heat Safety Tips:

Drink plenty of fluids, like water, even if you do not feel thirsty, and avoid alcoholic beverages, drinks with caffeine and large amounts of sugar.  These actually cause you to lose more body fluid.

Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out.

If you’re outside, find shade and minimize direct exposure to the sun.

Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day, which is typically around 3 p.m.

Avoid extreme temperature changes.

Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.

Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.

If someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places such as libraries, theaters and malls.

Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach over 100 degrees, even on a 70 degree day.

Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.

Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Additional Tips for Parents:

Limit playtime at peak sun exposure time and familiarize yourself with the signs of heat illnesses.

Avoid burns. If playground equipment is hot to the touch, it is too hot for your child’s bare skin.

Recognizing Heat Illnesses

Heat Cramps

Look for: heavy sweating during intense exercise; muscle pain or spasms

If you have heat cramps:

Stop physical activity and move to a cool place

Drink water or a sports drink

Wait for cramps to go away before you do any more physical activity

Get medical help if cramps last longer than one hour, you’re on a low-sodium diet or if you have heart problems

Heat Exhaustion

Look for: heavy sweating; cold, pale, and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness; dizziness; headache; fainting

If you expect heat exhaustion:

Move to a cool place

Loosen your clothes

Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath

Sip water

Get medical help if you are throwing up or your symptoms get worse or last longer than one hour

Heat Stroke

Look for: high body temperature (103°F or higher); hot, red, dry, or damp skin; fast, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; or passing out

If you expect a heat stroke:

Call 911 right away. Heat stroke is a medical emergency

Move the person to a cooler place

Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath

Do not give the person anything to drink