100 degree weather is expected to hit Denver Monday, which would mark the first triple-digit day of the summer.
In response to the extreme heat, the City and County of Denver will activate its cooling centers. All currently operating city recreation centers will be open to people who need to seek shelter from the sweltering heat. The fee-free cooling centers will only operate during the regular business hours of each recreation center.
Additionally, all Denver Public Library locations, with the exception of the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library and Westwood Branch Library, will be available for people who need to get out of the heat.
Extreme heat can cause a variety of health issues, especially for people with underlying health conditions, people over 65, and young children. Residents are encouraged to look out for symptoms of heat-related illness in yourself and others:
- Hot, red, dry or damp skin
- Fast, strong pulse
- Excessive sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness
Denver's public health department offered tips to prevent heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
- Stay inside in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. Air conditioning is the number one way to protect yourself against heat-related illness. If your home is not air-conditioned, visit one of Denver's cooling stations.
- Drink more water than usual and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.
- Fans will not prevent heat-related illness in extreme heat, instead take cool showers or baths to cool down.
- Don't use the stove or oven to cook -- it will make you and your house hotter.
- Don't drink alcohol or beverages that contain caffeine.
- Limit your outdoor activity, especially during the middle of the day when the sun is hottest.
Pets can also suffer from heat-related illnesses. Owners should keep walks extremely short or wait until temperatures are cooler in the morning or evening to take pets out. Residents are being told to never leave pets or children alone in vehicles. Depending on the context, Denver's Good Samaritan law may provide legal immunity to people who break a car window to save an animal.
