The City of Danville has arranged for cooling shelters to be available this weekend due to expected hot and humid conditions. If you need shelter, call the non-emergency number of the city's Emergency Communications Center. The number is 434-799-5111.
The center will direct citizens in need to available locations.
The locations will include Coates Recreation Center and Glenwood Recreation Center, both of which will be opened as needed.
In addition, citizens may go to City’s public libraries during regular business hours. The main library on Patton Street is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday. The Westover branch will open on Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The National Weather Service expects hot and humid conditions Saturday through Monday, with heat index values as high as 105 degrees on all three days.
The heat index refers to a number in degrees Fahrenheit that tells how hot it feels when relative humidity is added to the air temperature. Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees.
What you should do when the weather is extremely hot:
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service (NWS).
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
• Postpone outdoor games and activities.
• Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
• Eat well-balanced, light and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Drink plenty of water; even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.
