Anderson Mayor Orders Heat Relief Shelters for Wednesday, Thursday

ANDERSON, IN - Anderson Mayor Kevin S. Smith today directed the city’s Emergency Management office to arrange for heat relief shelters for citizens due to forecasts that expect the heat index to exceed 105 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday. “We urge all citizens to utilize these shelters to avoid heat-related illness,” he said. “Nifty Lift transports are on standby for those who have no other way to get to a shelter.”

As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, three Anderson churches will provide 24-hour air conditioned shelters, light refreshments and water. Cots will also be available for resting and overnight stays.

Peter Heuer, General Manager for the City of Anderson Transit, said temporary Nifty-Lift transportation will be provided for Anderson residents with heat-related needs and no other way to get to a shelter.  To arrange for pickup, Anderson residents should call 644-8312.

 The shelters are:

• New Hope United Methodist Church, 1503 Louise St., (642-1892).
• Aletheia Fellowship and Ministry Center, 2505 Faith Dr. (south of Hoosier Park, off 53rd Street, 649-3480)
• East Side Church of God, 2600 E. 5th St. (649-3534)

Anderson Fire Department EMS Director Don Watson said residents should exercise extreme care when temperatures reach such dangerous levels. Hydration – drinking plenty of water and liquids – and removing one’s self to a cooler location are key to maintaining one’s health.

There are three categories of heat-related illness, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that will require intravenous hydration and hospitalization. Heat stroke is when the body’s sweating mechanism shuts down and the body is unable to cool itself. 

“Basically, if you’re sweating heavily, cramping and sick, go immediately to a cool location and start rehydrating yourself,” said Watson.

Doug Zook, superintendent of Anderson Department of Parks and Recreation said Anderson’s two swimming pools – Athletic Park and Southside Recreation Center - are open until 7 p.m. on Wednesday. On Thursday, Athletic Park will be open until 7 p.m. and Southside Recreation Center will be open until 10 p.m. The Athletic Park pool is located at 8th Street, on the east side of the Eisenhower Bridge. Southside Recreation Center is adjacent to Anderson High School on south Madison Avenue.    

Cots at the heat relief shelters are being provided by the Anderson Chapter of the American Red Cross and the 2nd Harvest Food Bank is assisting with refreshments and liquids.