Heat Alert: Now through July 28: Christ Church UCC, at the corner of Bellevue and Bruno avenues in Maplewood will be open every day from noon until 5 p.m. for anyone needing to come in and cool down. The church is offering plenty of ice water and a place to sit and read if you like.
Enter the fellowship hall through the double doors off the parking lot.
The city of Maplewood also has these local cooling centers available:
- The Maplewood Public Library, at 7550 Lohmeyer Avenue, is available Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone number is (314) 781-2174.
- The Richmond Heights Recreation Complex, at 8001 Dale Avenue, is available Monday through Thursday 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday 5:30 to 9:00, Saturday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Phone number is (314) 645-1476.
If you need help with transportation to one of these cooling centers, please call (314) 645-3000.
If you suspect you are feeling any heat-related illnesses, call 911 immediately. Family, friends and neighbors are urged to check with older adults and those with special needs who may need assistance.
You also can obtain more information about cooling centers or energy assistance from the United Way of Greater St. Louis by calling (800) 427-4626 or 211 from a cell phone.
This week is also an ORANGE air quality condition due to the heat – which means that the air quality may be unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as people with heart or lung problems, the elderly, and young children. Check on your elderly neighbors to be sure they are safe in this weather.
Do what you can to help the air quality by not running engines during the heat of the day. Avoid use of gasoline-powered equipment, letting engines idle, or mowing lawns (although who would want to!)