KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The City of Kalamazoo is giving residents a fun way to beat the heat this week.
Public Safety officers say they will be opening fire hydrants at select locations in the Edison, Eastside, and Northside Neighborhoods to give kids and families a way to cool off.
The hydrants will be open from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. at these intersections:
- Edison: Washington/March, Clarence/Jackson, Hays Park/March, Hays Park/James
- Eastside: Charlotte/Sherwood, Sherwood at Roosevelt Apts, Fairbanks/Center
- Northside: 1038 Interfaith, Burrell/Lawrence, Krom/Clay, Norway/Princeton, Church/Norway
Officials say there is no need to call them if you see water coming out during these times.
They also remind citizens not to open hydrants at any other locations as it impacts their ability to safely handle fire incidents.
Cooling shelters are also being set up around Kalamazoo County to help families in need.
Sheriff Richard Fuller says there will be one at the First Congregational Church in downtown Kalamazoo Thursday and Friday from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Another cooling center will also be available at the Douglass Community Center on West Patterson Street from noon until 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Residents can call 211 for local information or 311 for details regarding city of Kalamazoo cooling centers.
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The Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department also released this list of tips by breaking them down into 3 categories: Stay Cool, Stay Hydrated, Stay Informed.
Stay Cool
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
• Wear sunscreen and reapply every two-hours, after swimming or exercising.
• Limit outdoor activity, especially during the hottest part of the day (typically between 11AM and 4PM), and avoid direct sunlight.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.
Stay Hydrated
• Drink more water than usual and do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water.
• Drink between two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
• Avoid Alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
• Make sure your family, friends and neighbors are drinking enough water
Stay Informed
• Check your local news for extreme heat warnings and safety tips or dial 2-1-1 to speak to someone from Gryphon Place for location information and resources.
• Visit www.kalcounty.com/hcs/ep/ to find information and tips for preventing heat sickness.
• Visit https://www.ready.gov/heat to learn how to be prepared for, be safe during, and recognize and respond to symptoms of heat related health effects during extreme heat.
• Keep your friends, family and neighbors aware of weather and heat safety information.
