Continuing high heat and humidity conditions have lead to a reported significant increase in heat-related intakes by Lee Health.
In an effort to help alleviate those issues there are several cooling stations and cooler places now operating across Lee and Charlotte counties.
Lee County
The Department of Health in Lee County said such stations are available during their normal operating hours at the following sites:
- Salvation Army Community Resource Center, 2450 Edison Avenue, Fort Myers
- Dunbar United Way House Community Cooperative, 3429 Dr. MIL Jr. Boulevard, Fort Myers
- Tice United Way House, Goodwill Industries of SWFL, 5100 Tice Street, Fort Myers
- Bonita Springs West United Way House, Bonita Springs Assistance Office, 25300 Bernwood Drive, Ste 6, Bonita Springs.
- Lehigh Acres United Way House-Lehigh Community Services 201 Plaza Drive, Suite 103 Lehigh Acres
The Sanibel Office of Emergency Communications said a cooling station on Sanibel will be located at The Gathering Place at St. Michael's, 2304 Periwinkle Way, (please enter off Dunlop Rd.) from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, effective immediately. F.I.S.H. will be providing Liquid IV drink packets, snacks, and ice water.
More information on cooling stations can be obtained by downloading the Lee County Human & Veteran Services REACH app on mobile phones atthe Apple App Store and Google Play and signing up for notifications.
For more information about the Lee County Human and Veteran Services, visit https://www.leegov.com/dhs.
Charlotte County
In Charlotte County, officials released a listing of operational libraries and recreation centers — cool places open to the public for those without ready access to air-conditioned space and needing reprieve from hot temperatures:
- Englewood Charlotte Public Library, 3450 North Access Road, Englewood
- Port Charlotte Public Library, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte
- Punta Gorda Charlotte Library, 401 Shreve St., Punta Gorda
- Harold Avenue Regional Park, 23400 Harold Avenue, Port Charlotte
- Centennial Park, 1120 Centennial Blvd., Port Charlotte
- South County Regional Park, 670 Cooper Street, Punta Gorda
Avoiding the heat tips
The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee, Monroe, and Okeechobee Counties urge residents to follow safety measures with temperatures rising and heat indices reaching dangerous levels. It is important to prioritize the well-being of individuals and communities.
High temperatures and humidity pose health risks. Follow these safety measures to minimize the risk of heat related illnesses and emergencies.
Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water and avoid excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol as they can lead to dehydration.
Stay cool: Avoid direct sunlight and long exposure to the sun. Spend time in air-conditioned environments. If outdoors, seek shade when the sun is strongest, which is typically between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. Wear a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, ears, and back of your neck. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around your eyes from sun exposure. For additional protection, you can wear light, long-sleeved shirts.
Check on vulnerable individuals: Keep an eye on elderly neighbors, young children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions as they are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Ensure they have access to a cool environment and sufficient hydration.
Never leave children, vulnerable individuals, or pets in a vehicle: Temperatures in a parked car can rise rapidly, even with the widows open. This can be life threatening.
Everyone must remain vigilant and look out for one another. By following these safety measures, we can collectively reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and emergencies.
Stay informed about the weather by listening tolocal weather forecasts or following the National Weather Service.
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