City Of Louisville: Mayor Fischer, City Leaders Urge Caution During Extreme Heat 

Louisville KY

15 June, 2022

6:40 AM

Description

Press release from the City of Louisville: June 13, 2022 Mayor Greg Fischer and Louisville Metro Government (LMG) heath and public safety leaders are urging residents to protect themselves from heat-related illness and reminds them of public resources available through the city and partners. The National Weather Service forecasts temperatures well into the 90s and high humidity, which means heat index values will exceed 100 degrees. Most heat-related illnesses involve the elderly or individuals who have chronic illnesses, but also at risk are children, athletes, and outdoor workers. "Extreme heat can be deadly and we're urging everyone to take this advisory seriously," Mayor Fischer said. "That means looking out for ourselves to avoid heat exhaustion, and looking out for others as well. I'm thankful to our Metro team and partners for springing into action, as they always do, to demonstrate what compassion is all about." City cooling resources include: Cooling centers Eight Neighborhood Place locations throughout Louisville will be serving as cooling relief centers for those needing to get out of the heat. To find the nearest location, call Metro311 or 574-5000 or visit http://www.louisvilleky.gov/NeighborhoodPlace/ Louisville Metro Senior Nutrition program congregate sites operate 14 senior congregate sites for seniors 60 and older which provide a nutritious lunchtime meal and activities at air-conditioned facilities. Visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services for a listing of sites, hours and phone numbers to reserve a lunch. Louisville Free Public Library's 17 branches are open and operating at regular hours for people who need respite from the heat. Find a branch here: https://www.lfpl.org/branches/index.htm White Flag The Coalition for the Homeless coordinates the Operation White Flag program to ensure that individuals experiencing houselessness can find shelter during severe weather. Operation White Flag goes into effect when the temperature or heat index is 95 degrees or higher. A white flag flies outside each participating shelter to show that Operation White Flag is in effect. All persons needing shelter can stay at the participating Operation White Flag shelter while weather conditions persist. Day Shelter space is available at the Salvation Army and Wayside Christian Mission, as well as shelters dedicated for men, women and youth. Visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services for a full listing. Representatives of multiple organizations visit encampments regularly to provide connections to shelter, medical care and social services. When Operation White Flag is in effect, TARC waves fare for those individuals who need transportation to one of the participating shelters. The passenger should alert the driver when boarding and can ride to the nearest shelter fare-free. Pet safety Louisville Metro Animal Services asks residents to limit outdoor time for pets. Residents are urged to call 9-1-1 if they see animals left in parked vehicles. When animals are outdoors, people are asked to provide shade and plenty of water. Heat safety Residents are urged to each take personal steps to reduce their risk of heat-related illness. "We ask everyone to take precautions to avoid heat exhaustion, and to check on their family, friends and neighbors who may be especially vulnerable to extreme heat," said Dr. Jeff Howard, interim director and medical director. "Infants, young children, older adults, and people with chronic disease have a tougher time regulating their body temperature. Please help them stay cool and hydrated." This press release was produced by the City of Louisville. The views expressed here are the author's own.