As triple-digit temperatures continue to hit Arlington, here’s how to recognize the warning signs of heat illness and some ways to stay cool.
People exposed to extreme heat for prolonged periods are at risk for heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Heat exhaustion can occur when the body has lost excessive amounts of water and salt through sweating. Symptoms can include weakness, fainting, headache and nausea. Without proper care, heat exhaustion can become heatstroke.
Those with heat exhaustion should seek cool locations, sip water and apply wet cloths to the skin. If vomiting starts and/or heat exhaustion continues, seek immediate medical attention.
Heatstroke is considered the most serious heat-related illness and occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. With this serious condition, symptoms include rapid pulse, body temperature above 103 degrees, hot skin and loss of consciousness.
If someone is showing signs of heat stroke, the CDC recommends calling for emergency medical care, moving the person to a cooler area, and using cold wet cloths to cool them down.
Heat syncope is a fainting or dizziness episode caused by standing too long or rising suddenly in hot environments. Individuals with heat syncope should sit or lie in a cool place while slowly drinking water, clear juice or a sports drink.
Here are some locations for those looking to escape the heat and minimize heat-related illness:
The Don Misenhimer Splash Pad, Brantley Hinshaw Splash Pad and California Lane Park Splash Pad are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily before Labor Day, according to a city news release. After the holiday, they are open on weekends only through the end of September.
All Arlington Public libraries and recreation centers serve as cooling stations during their normal business hours. Each station offers seating and water so residents can cool down from the heat, said Susan Schrock, spokeswoman for the city of Arlington, in an email.
The Salvation Army on West Abram Street is available as a cooling station from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays when the heat index is 100 degrees or higher.
Cooling center locations
Arlington Public Library
George W. Hawkes Downtown Library is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday.
East Library and Recreation Center’s library side is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday.
The following Arlington Public Library locations are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday:
Southwest Branch Library
Woodland West Branch
Northeast Branch Library
Southeast Branch Library
Ron Wright Lake Arlington Branch Library
Arlington Recreation Centers
Cliff Nelson Recreation Center is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Dottie Lynn Recreation Center is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
East Library and Recreation Center’s recreational side is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Elzie Odom Athletic Center is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
The Beacon Recreation Center is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
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