Cooling Centers open to beat the heat

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - As the mercury continues to rise, the city of Springfield is urging people to take it easy and keep cool as best you can.

Seven cooling centers will be opened around the city, for residents to escape the oppressive conditions and relax in the air conditioning:

Mason Square Senior Center
74 Walnut Street
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Riverview Senior Center
120 Clyde Street / Division Street
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Pine Point Senior Center
335 Berkshire Avenue
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Goodlife Center
1600 East Columbus Avenue
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Riverview Senior Center & Greenleaf Community Center
8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Heat stress can pose a serious health threat, especially to the elderly. It drains the body and if the stress becomes too severe, it can lead to death. Those who have high blood pressure, diabetes or an unhealthy heart are more susceptible to heat stress. If you feel a loss of appetite, lack of energy and other symptoms you should immediately get medical help.

"People can die from over exposure to heat, people can have sunstroke, people can get severely dehydrated. So we want to make sure we are opening places where people can get some water,” Director of Health and Human Services Helen Caulton-Harris said.

22News is Working for You with some tips to avoid a trip to the hospital during this summer swelter. You're urged to stay indoors where there's air conditioning, eat light meals, hydrate yourself with plenty of water, and avoid alcohol. If you have to be outside, wear light, loose fitting clothing and avoid strenuous work.

Each year 400 people will die across the country from heat related issues -- so don’t take this weather lightly.