Corpus Christi Sun

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Corpus Christi and Nueces County from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Maximum heat indices are expected to reach 109° degrees.

Hot temperatures and high humidity will increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

In response to the heat advisory, the City of Corpus Christi has made several cooling centers available to the public for extended hours.

The cooling centers will be open from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. today.

Please see the list below for facility names and addresses:

CCRTA

The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority will allow individuals to ride fare-free upon telling their Bus Operator they will travel to the nearest cooling center. For more information, go to http://www.ccrta.org.

Public Pools:

The City's pools, splash pads, and the Bayfront Park Fountain are open with free admission as a cooling alternative. NOTE: All children under the age of eight must be accompanied and supervised by an adult aged 16 and older. 

Hours of operation vary by location:

• Collier Pool, 3801 Harris Drive - Open Lap Swim 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Open Swim 2:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Corpus Christi Natatorium, 3202 Cabaniss Parkway – Open 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• West Guth Pool, 9705 Up River Road – Open 2:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Greenwood Pool, 4305 Greenwood Drive - Open 2:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• H-E-B Pool, 1520 Shely Street – Open 2:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Oso Pool, 1109 Bernice Drive – Open 2:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Splash Pads:

• Lindale Park Splash Pad, 3133 Swantner Drive, Open 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Bill Witt Park Splash Pad, 6869 Yorktown Boulevard, Open 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Manuel Q. Salinas Park Splash Pad, 1354 Airport Road, Open 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Bayfront Park Fountain:

1309 North Shoreline Boulevard, Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Pet Safety

Animal Care Services will have officers responding to calls concerning pets left outside in the heat.

Tips for keeping pets safe in extreme heat:

• Bring pets inside
• Never leave your pet in a car
• Give your pet extra water
• Protect your pet's paws from hot surfaces

Water Conservation

The City remains in Stage One of the Drought Contingency Plan; residents are reminded to conserve water.

Heat Safety Tips

Overall, the best defense against heat-related illness is prevention. Stay cool, drink adequate water, wear cool clothing, and monitor strenuous outdoor activities.

The City also would like to remind everyone about the precautions you can take to reduce your risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The Texas Department of State Health Services advises:

• Never leave anyone, including animals, in a closed, parked vehicle. 
• Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid drinks with alcohol, caffeine, or moderate sugar.
• Plan a strenuous outdoor activity for early mornings or evenings when it's cooler.
• Take frequent breaks when working outside.
• Signs and symptoms of heat illness include dizziness, heavy sweating, nausea, headaches, and muscle cramps. If signs and symptoms emerge, move to a cooler location, rest for a few minutes, and slowly drink a cool liquid. Immediately seek medical attention if conditions do not improve, and tell someone to observe you.
• Frequently check on the elderly, the ill, and others needing help.

For more information on City cooling centers, visit www.cctexas.com/coolingcenters.

For media inquiries, contact Public Information Manager Robert Gonzales at 361-826-3233 or robertg8@cctexas.com. 

Original source can be found here.