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Community Corner

More Three-Digit Days: Hazelwood Heats Up Again Starting Tuesday

"Hazelwood Patch" offers tips and resources for staying cool and safe during the next several days when temps are expected to reach over 100 degrees.

It’s so hot and humid in Hazelwood lately that it almost feels like you’re stepping into a sauna when you step outside—and it doesn’t show signs of letting up for several days, according to Fox2Now’s Glenn Zimmerman.

Get ready for more triple digit temperatures, starting Tuesday and lasting for most of the week.

Zimmerman said that while there will be a few isolated showers during the week, there won’t be much rain—so there’s not much of a chance of cooler temperatures for several days.

Find out what's happening in Hazelwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The National Weather Service states that heat-related illnesses are a real threat in this kind of weather, especially for small children, the elderly, those working outside and others with health conditions.

That means it’s time to check in on your homebound or elderly friends, neighbors and relatives, and it’s time to take special precautions with yourself, your kids and your pets.

Find out what's happening in Hazelwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

If you know senior citizens, be sure to call or stop by and ensure they are using air conditioners. If they don't have a window unit or central air, offer a room for them until the evening when it's cooler or get them somewhere they feel comfortable that is also air conditioned.

Also be sure to check on any person who may have a disability to ensure they are doing well in the heat.

Tips to Beat the Heat

  • Stay in air conditioned areas as much as possible.
  • Consume lots of water.
  • Wear light-colored clothing outdoors.
  • Avoid cotton clothing and opt for fabrics that allow your skin to breathe, better enabling it to cool off.
  • If you need to run errands, do so early in the morning. 6 a.m. tends to be the coolest part of the day.

Resources for Cooling Off

Need help with cooling? People in the St. Louis area can get information about cooling centers or energy assistance by calling the United Way at 800-427-4426. You can also dial 2-1-1 from a landline phone to reach the United Way.

The number for Cool Down St. Louis is 314-241-7668.

At this time, no cooling centers have been announced for the city of Hazelwood; however, dial 211 to get more information regarding the heat and area cooling centers.

For information on what to do during a hot-weather emergency, Missouri and Southwest Illinois residents can call 800-427-4626. For senior citizens who may not be able to pay for air-conditioning, bill assistance information is available by calling United Way 2-1-1 at 211 or 800-427-4626. All calls are free and confidential and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.

Other ideas for staying cool close to home include the following.

  • Church
  • Sit-Down Restaurant

How are you beating the heat during this three-digit day? Share your tips with the community, in the comments section, below.

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