Columbus, IN – Donner Center will be open and staffed on Monday, July 15 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm . Crates will be available from Columbus Animal Care for those that have animals. Animals will not be allowed to run free, unless they are a service animal.

According to the National Weather Service, an extended period of hot and humid conditions is expected across all of Central Indiana through the weekend. Daily high temperatures in the low to mid 90s with heat indices approaching 100 during the afternoon hours may be hazardous for sensitive and vulnerable populations. Take extra precautions if spending time outside during peak heating of the day.

According to FEMA, here are 6 ways to keep you and your loved ones cool this summer:

Drink water.

Keep you and your pets hydrated. Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.

Find air conditioning.

If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library. Check to see if your community set up emergency alternatives for cooling centers, as normal cooling centers may not have enough space for social distancing. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Keep in mind that while electric fans may provide comfort, when the temperature is in the high 90s they will not prevent heat-related illness.

Insulate your house.

You can keep your house cooler by insulating it and covering your windows with drapes or shades. Use window reflectors such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard to reflect heat back outside.

Wear sunscreen.

Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated. If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out.

Never leave pets or people in a closed car.

Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window cracked open. While anyone left in a parked car is at risk, children are especially in danger of getting a heat stroke or dying.

Avoid strenuous activities.

Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest: morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover.

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