Hazelwood Heat Warning

Hazelwood along with the rest of the Greater St. Louis area has been put under an excessive heat warning until Tuesday at 7 p.m. 

According to the National Weather Service, the heat index values will range between 110 to 115 degrees, causing a hazardous weather outlook.

The National Weather Service website states that a hazardous weather outlook is issued whenever there are high levels of heat and humidity aross an entire region. Temperatures for the week will remain in the 90's.

• Today: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 102. Heat index values as high as 118. West wind between 8 and 10 mph.
• Tuesday: A chance of thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 111. Light north wind. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.
• Wednesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. East wind between 3 and 7 mph.
• Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 87.
• Friday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98.
• Saturday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 101.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 102.

COOLING OFF

The NWS also states that heat-related illnesses are a real threat, especially for small children, the elderly, and others with health conditions, as  several days of heat indexes around 100 are just as dangerous as one or two days of more extreme heat.

Should you need cooling assistance, 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. The closest cooling center to Hazelwood is the Bridgeton Senior Center located at  4201 Fee Fee Road. Photo identification is required, and the site is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

BEAT THE HEAT

Below are a few tips for beating the heat:

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

BE A SHEPHERD

Be sure to check on loved ones, friends and family. If you know a senior citizen, be sure to call or stop by and ensure they are using air. 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.

Operation Weather Survival and United Way 2-1-1 reminds everyone to take care during hot weather advisories, warnings and emergencies.

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.