Oh baby! It’s hot outside! The Des Moines metro is experiencing record-setting extreme heat this week. With temperatures over 100+ degrees, the heat is creating dangerously hot conditions for residents around the metro. Here’s how to stay cool and safe during this week’s heatwave.
Des Moines has a 102 degrees in our forecast and those of us in central Iowa, as well as much of the country will be affected for a few more days by this heatwave.
To help Des Moines area residents stay cool despite the heat, city officials have designated numerous daytime cooling locations at which residents can seek refuge from these dangerously high temperatures.
A daytime cooling center is an air conditioned facility where residents can temporarily go during periods of extreme temperatures. Daytime cooling sites are air conditioned facilities where residents can temporarily go during periods of extreme temperatures. Such places include malls, libraries and local shelters. Few to no services are provided beyond what is normally available in that location.
Vulnerable populations such as children, seniors, and people with chronic conditions can benefit from time in an air conditioned facility during extreme heat periods.
The City has identified the following locations as possible cooling options:
- Southridge Mall (1111 E. Army Post Rd.) – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday; Noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday
- Merle Hay Mall (3800 Merle Hay Rd.) – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday; Noon to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday
- Central Library (1000 Grand Ave.) – 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday
- East Side Library (2559 Hubbell Ave.) – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday
- Forest Ave. Library (1326 Forest Ave.) – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday
- Franklin Ave. Library (5000 Franklin Ave.) – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday
- North Side Library (3516 Fifth Ave.) – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday
- South Side Library (1111 Porter Ave.) – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday
Des Moines residents are also encouraged to beat the heat by utilizing the City’s various splash pads, spraygrounds and aquatic centers (find our master list of places to swim in Des Moines here). Due to current staffing and maintenance issues, not all aquatic facilities are operating on a daily basis.
To learn what facilities are operating on any given day, please contact Des Moines Parks and Recreation at 515-237-1386.
The Polk County Health Department also urges individuals to take the following precautions during this very hot and humid weather:
- Two hours of respite in air conditioning can prevent heat-related illness and death from extreme heat.
- Check on family, friends, neighbors, and clients who do not have air conditioning and assist with plans for taking precautions.
- When working outdoors, take frequent breaks, drink cool water/liquids, and find shade. Employers should monitor outdoor workers for signs and symptoms of heat stress.
- Drink more water than usual. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more fluids.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
- Limit outdoor activities and events during the mid-day. Schedule workout and practices earlier or later in the day.
- Never leave infants or children in a parked car.
- Dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Do not leave pets in parked cars during the summer--they can suffer heat-related illness too.
- Check the local news for health and safety updates regularly.
- Always call 911 in case of heat-related illness - heat stress, heat exhaustion or HEAT STROKE can result in death.