[Archived] City of Alexandria Provides Heat Wave Relief

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	July 17, 2006 PIO# 182-06/rdo	Brian Hannigan, Director of Communications, or Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

City of Alexandria Provides Heat Wave Relief
Residents Urged to Be Alert for Heat-Related Illness among Seniors and Children
Fans and Cooling Assistance Available to Seniors and Low-Income Residents

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for today and Tuesday, as high temperatures are predicted to reach near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with a heat index of up to 108.

The City of Alexandria urges all residents to take precautions to prevent heat-related illness – and to be alert for elderly neighbors and others who may need special assistance to survive the extreme heat. The Alexandria Health Department offers Tips for Beating the Heat.

Children, the elderly, and people with chronic ailments are usually the first to suffer from the heat. Heat exhaustion, cramps, or in extreme cases, heat stroke can result from prolonged exposure to these conditions. During extended heat waves, people are advised to stay indoors and limit exposure to the sun; drink plenty of water; and wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing.

Alexandrians are also urged to check on neighbors that may be at risk or do not have access to air conditioning.

Cooling Centers. A number of air-conditioned City facilities and public places are currently available as daytime and evening cooling centers:

* All City recreation centers and libraries are open until 9:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For a listing of centers and libraries, see the City’s website at www.alexandriava.gov or call the Citizens’ Assistance Line at 703- 838-4800.

* Alexandria’s enclosed, air-conditioned Landmark Mall is open until 9:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

* The City’s two Senior Centers open to anyone over 60 years of age for daytime activities. For more information, contact the Charles Houston Senior Center at 905 Wythe St. (703.838.4832) and the Saint Martin de Porres Senior Center at 4650 Taney Ave. (703.751.2766).

* David's Place, a day shelter for homeless people, is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. It is operated by and located at Carpenter's Shelter, 930 N. Henry St., and is open to anyone who needs shelter from the heat. For details, call 703.548.7500.

* The City’s swimming pools, located throughout Alexandria, provide welcome and effective relief from the effects of excessive heat. For more information, see alexandriava.gov/recreation/pools/pools.html or call 703-838-4343.

Cooling Assistance. Through August 15, Virginia’s Cooling Assistance Program offers eligible, low-income households with a person age 60 or over, a child under 6 years old, or a permanently disabled person who has no air conditioning the opportunity to obtain free fans or window air conditioners. For more information on available services, contact the Office of Community Services at 703.838.0901 or 703.838.0971.

For more information on remaining healthy in the heat, call the Alexandria Health Department, 703.838.4872, or the Alexandria Chapter of the Red Cross, 703.549.8300.