The city of Columbia said cooling centers will be available this summer for residents who need access to public indoor space, such as lobbies, restrooms and drinking fountains. The city said each center will operate during its normal business hours.

Officials listed the:  ARC, 1701 W. Ash St.; Columbia City Hall, 701 E. Broadway; Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services, 1005 W. Worley St.; the Columbia Public Library, 100 W. Broadway; the Salvation Army, 1108 W. Ash St.; and the Salvation Army Harbor House, 602 N. Ann St.

The city’s guidance notes that people seeking a cooling center will have access to public areas in the facility.

Why it matters for Columbia readers

Heat illness is not limited to athletes or people working outdoors. Health officials say extreme heat can affect anyone, and the risks rise for people who cannot stay cool during the hottest parts of the day. The city pointed to higher risk for heat-related illness among infants and children up to age 4, adults 65 and older, and people who are ill or taking certain medications.

The city said heatstroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body cannot control its temperature. The city added that body temperature may rise to 106 degrees or higher within 10 to 15 minutes and that heatstroke can cause death or permanent disability without emergency treatment.

Know the warning signs

The city said warning signs of heatstroke can include an extremely high body temperature, above 103 degrees; red, hot and dry skin with no sweating; rapid and strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and loss of consciousness.

CDC guidance, also focused on extreme heat, emphasizes that heatstroke is an emergency and that people should call 911 if someone has symptoms such as confusion, fainting, seizures or a very high body temperature.

Because symptoms can look different from person to person, both local and national guidance urge residents to treat sudden changes in behavior or alertness as a sign to seek urgent help.

Tips to reduce exposure

City officials recommended several steps residents can take before and during hot weather. They said people should stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours, and use cooling centers when needed. The city also advised wearing light, loose-fitting clothing.

Hydration is another focus. The city said residents should drink water often and drink before they feel thirsty.

The city also said people should avoid unnecessary hard work or time outdoors during the hottest periods or in buildings without air conditioning. For sun exposure, officials recommended avoiding prolonged time in direct sun and wearing a hat when outside, preferably with a wide brim.

Sunscreen guidance is included in the city’s release. Officials said to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher about 30 minutes before going out and to reapply according to the package directions.

Where to go for relief in Columbia

In addition to the city’s cooling centers, Boone County and Columbia area parks offer places to cool down with water features. Columbia maintains multiple parks with splash pads or spray ground style features.

Among those are Flat Branch Park and Twin Lakes Recreation Park, according to the city parks listings. These amenities can provide relief on hot days, but the city cooling center guidance remains important for residents who need indoor air conditioning.

What changes next

As summer temperatures rise, the city said it will keep the listed cooling centers available during normal business hours. Residents can check the city’s cooling centers page for updates and should monitor local weather alerts for heat advisories and warnings.

If heat conditions worsen or if emergency incidents occur, officials said residents should follow public health guidance and seek emergency care for symptoms of heatstroke.

Local impact box
- Check the cooling center list before hot weather arrives, especially for children and older adults.
- Plan to spend peak afternoon hours indoors with air conditioning, and carry water if you are outside.
- Watch for confusion, fainting or very high body temperature, and call 911 if heatstroke is suspected.