adminBy Leslie Collins
Northeast News
Aug. 2, 2011
Kansas City could break record temperatures today and the heat index in Kansas City is expected to range from 108 to 115 degrees.
The Weather Channel calls it a “dangerous heat index” and that “outdoor exposure should be limited.” This summer alone, there have been 21 suspected heat related deaths in Kansas City.
Today’s forecasted high is 109 degrees and the current temperature in Kansas City is 102 degrees.
To help residents take a break from the heat, the City of Kansas City is offering several ways for residents to stay cool.
Residents are invited to relax inside any of Kansas City’s community center cooling centers for free. Those needing transportation to an area cooling center may call the city’s 3-1-1 Action Center at (816) 513-1313. Kansas City Fire Department employees are providing the transportation service.
Residents are also encouraged to cool off in the city’s pools and spraygrounds.
Community center locations and hours are:
•Brush Creek Community Center – 3801 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd., Sunday and Monday: closed, Tuesday and Wednesday: Noon to 9 p.m., Thursday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
•Garrison Community Center – 1124 E. 5th St.., Sunday and Monday: closed, Tuesday-Friday: 1 to 9 p.m., Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
•Gregg/Klice Community Center – 1600 John “Buck” O’Neil Way, Sunday: closed, Monday-Friday: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
•Hillcrest Community Center – 10401 Hillcrest Road, Sunday: closed , Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
•Kansas City North Community Center – 3930 N.E. Antioch Road, Sunday: closed, Monday-Thursday: 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday: 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday: 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
•Line Creek Community Center – 5940 N.W. Waukomis Drive, Sunday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday-Friday: 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
•Marlborough Community Center – 8200 Paseo Blvd., Sunday and Monday: closed, Tuesday and Thursday: Noon to 9 p.m., Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
•Southeast Community Center – 4201 E. 63rd St., Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Thursday: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
•Tony Aguirre Community Center – 2050 W. Pennway Terrace, Sunday: closed, Monday-Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
•Westport-Roanoke Community Center – 3601 Roanoke Road, Sunday: closed, Monday: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday-Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Spraygrounds locations are:
•Free and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday
•Blue ValleyPark–
1801 White Avenue
•Central Park –
Linwood Boulevard and Bales Avenue
•Crews Square –
E. 27th Street and Michigan Avenue
•Douglass Park
– 2632 Jarboe St.
•Garrison Square –
4th Street and Forest Avenue
•Golden Oaks –
46th Street and North Antioch Road
•Harmony Park
– 10th Street and Agnes Avenue
(closed Tuesdays for cleaning)
Longview Park –
7101 Longview Road
(closed Mondays for cleaning)
•Loose Park
– 52nd Terrace and Summit Street
(closed Wednesdays for cleaning)
•Lykins Square
– E. 8th Street and Myrtle Avenue
•Parade Park (Closed temporarily)
1600 John “Buck” O’Neil Way
(closed Fridays for cleaning)
•Sunnyside Park
– 8255 Summit Street
(closed Thursdays for cleaning)
More tips to stay cool
Kansas City’s Health Department provided several tips to beat the heat:
•”Wear light-colored, loose fitting clothing made of natural fibers.”
•”Keep activity to a minimum, especially during the hottest part of the day.”
•”Take frequent breaks out of the heat.”
•”Cool off by taking cool baths or showers.”
•”Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration unless you are on a fluid restricted diet. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.”
•”Eat cool, light meals, avoiding foods high in protein or fatty food. Salads, fruits and vegetables are recommended.”
•”Listen to your body. Slow down and reduce activity when it warns you that the heat is too much.”
•”Include salt in your food unless you are on a salt restricted diet. Do not use salt tablets unless directed by a physician.”
•”Protect against sunburn because it reduces the body’s ability to cool itself.”
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