Twin Cities counties open cooling centers under Excessive Heat Warning Friday
(FOX 9) - Much of the Twin Cities metro area and southern Minnesota are under an Excessive Heat Warning Friday, leading the two metro counties to open cooling centers.
Hennepin and Ramsey Counties both promoted maps on their websites showing where residents can beat the heat Friday.
LINK: Hennepin County cooling center map
LINK: Ramsey County cooling center map
According to FOX 9’s meteorologists, the heat index will be between 105 and 110 degrees Friday afternoon.
Hennepin County officials say about 175 Americans die each year of complications from overheating.
To prevent such a fate for Minnesotans, the counties are urging residents to take extra care of young children, senior citizens and people who are sick or overweight.
The National Weather Service recommends the following to avoid heat-related illnesses:
- Limit outdoor activities
- Drink plenty of water
- Wear light clothing
- Wear sunscreen
- Work outdoors early or very late in the day
NWS-Twin Cities also listed some signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
HEAT EXHAUSTION:
- Faint or dizzy
- Excessive sweating
- Cool, pale, clammy skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Muscle cramps
HEAT STROKE:
- Throbbing headache
- No sweating
- Body temperature above 103 degrees
- Red, hot, dry skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid, strong pulse
- May lose consciousness
IF YOU HAVE THESE SYMPTOMS
- Get to a cooler, airconditioned place
- Drink water if fully conscious
- Take a cool shower or use cold compresses
- Call 911 and take immediate action to cool the person until help arrives