LAFAYETTE -- The Tippecanoe County Chapter of the American Red Cross, in conjunction with the Tippecanoe County Health Department and the Tippecanoe Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), announced that the following community centers are open as cooling sites during this week of extreme heat:

·         Salvation Army, located at 1110 Union St., open from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday

·         Center of Jenks Rest, located at 1915 Scott St. (Columbian Park), open from 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m., Monday–Friday

·         Bauer Community Center, located at 330 Fountain St., open from 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Monday–Friday

·         Hanna Community Center, located at 1201 N. 18th St., open from 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Monday–Friday

Also consider visiting local public buildings such as libraries or touring the local mall for a couple hours as alternatives to getting out of the heat.

In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including floods. Please follow these tips to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones and neighbors.

·         Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

·         Eat small meals and eat more often.

·         Avoid extreme temperature changes.

·         Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.

·         Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.

·         Postpone outdoor games and activities.

·         Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.

·         Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.

·         Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.

·         Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.lafayetteredcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org .