Keeping Cool, Healthy and Safe
To maintain good health when temperatures are high, Columbus Public Health offers the following precautions to help avoid heat related illness:
- Drink plenty of water - don't wait until you are thirsty
- Stay inside in air conditioning whenever possible (movie theaters, malls, etc.) if you do not have an air conditioner.
- Avoid beverages containing alcohol, caffeine and sugar; they will dehydrate you
- Eat light meals
- Wear lightweight, light colored clothing and a hat
- Stay in the shade
- Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours
- Check on your neighbors during the day if they are older, in poor health or live alone.
- Pet Owners make sure animals have plenty of water and a place to get out of the sun and cool down.
Young children, older adults, and persons with medical conditions are at the greatest risk for heat related illness, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Symptoms of a heat related illness include:
- dizziness, nausea
- rapid heartbeat
- headache
- absence of perspiration
- dry, hot flushed skin.
If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Local Resources
The Breathing Association and OhioHealth Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) – Electric bill assistance and air conditioning units for elderly households and customers with qualifying incomes and medical conditions, July 1-August 31. Call for appointment at 566-0750. Learn More -- HEAP - Home Energy Assistance Program
LifeCare Alliance and 10TV Fan Club – Free fan program for households with immediate family members with chronic health conditions. For more information, contact 278-3130. (Currently, there is a waiting list.) New box fans also can be donated for the program at any City of Columbus fire station. For more information, call Michelle Jones at 437-2803.
Impact Community Action – Summer Crisis Program - Energy bill assistance to households that meet income eligibility guidelines and have a member more than 60 years of age with certain medical conditions. For guidelines and appointments, call 866-747-1038.
Franklin County Senior Options – Free fan program for current clients ages 60 years or older without a working air conditioner. (Clients who received a fan in the last two years are ineligible.) For more information, call 462-6200.
City of Columbus
Columbus Offers Options for Residents to Beat the Heat
More on Heat Safety
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention