Beating the Heat

Rapper Nelly’s 2002 song, “Hot in Here” certainly rings true still in 2011 to what Florissant and the St. Louis area faces this week.

The National Weather Service issued an excessive warning on Monday for the St. Louis area which will last until 7 p.m. Friday. Combined with the heat index, meteorologists expect temperatures to rise between 105˚F and 115˚F.

According to the St. Louis County Department of Health, more than 15 people have been treated and released between July 16 and July 17 for heat-related illnesses. During the same time period, two people having been admitted to area hospitals for heat-related illnesses. A total of 125 people have been treated this summer for heat-related illnesses, according to the website.

With high, dangerous temperatures throughout the area, St. Louis County has opened five cooling centers, including three near the Florissant area:

North County Recreation Complex
2577 Redman Rd.
8 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday,
8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday
Noon–6 p.m. Sunday

St. Vincent’s Community Center
7335 St. Charles Rock Rd.
9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday–Thursday
9 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday
Noon–6 p.m.  Sunday

North County Community Health Center
4000 Jennings Station Rd.
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday
8 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday

Officials urge residents to take precaution in the heat this week. To find other cooling centers, call the United Way from a residence at 211, or from any phone at 1-800-427-4626.