For the Tomahawk Leader
LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) earlier this month announced a list of cooling centers in Tomahawk and Merrill.
LCHD explained that a cooling center is “an air-cooled facility where Lincoln County residents are invited to get relief from extreme heat during business hours.”
“While many people look forward to the warmer summer temperatures, it’s important to remember that hot conditions can turn dangerous quickly and pose a risk to health and safety, especially for infants and children, older adults and individuals with certain medical and chronic conditions,” LCHD stated. “Lincoln County is fortunate to have locally designated cooling centers.”
Cooling center signage is displayed at each location.
Tomahawk
Tomahawk cooling centers, hours, and contact information:
- Senior Community Center, 113 S. Tomahawk Ave.; Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 715-453-5757.
- Tomahawk City Hall, 23 N. 2nd St.; Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 715-453-4040.
Merrill
Merrill cooling centers, hours, and contact information:
- Merrill Enrichment Center, 303 N Sales St.; Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; 715-536-4226.
- Riverside Athletic Club, 500 S. Center Ave.; Monday – Thursday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., 715-536-2481
- Smith Multi–Purpose Center (MARC), 1100 Marc Dr.; Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4p.m; 715-536-6187.
- TB Scott Free Library, 106 W. First St.; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 715-536-7191.
LCHD said individuals should take the following steps to be safe in extreme heat this summer:
- Drink lots of water.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea and sodas.
- Avoid going outside in extreme heat.
- Limit outside activity to early morning or late evening.
- Wear sunscreen. Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated
- If you don’t have air conditioning, keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but windows slightly open.
- Keep electric lights off or turned down.
- Limit the use of the stove.
- Wear lightweight, loose, light-colored clothing.
- Take cool baths and showers.
- Don’t leave anyone (including pets) in a parked car – even for a few minutes.
- Check up on family, friends, and neighbors during extreme heat. If you are unable to reach them, call 911 and request a well-being check.
If your business or organization is interested in being a designated cooling center, contact Kristin Bath, Public Health Educator, at [email protected] or 715-539-1373.
A current list of local cooling centers is available at www.lincolncountyhealthdepartment.com.