Residents should be careful in dangerously hot weather
With temperatures in the 80s and 90s on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Gilmer County Emergency Management (GCEM) opened a Cooling Center for those without air conditioning.
Located at the old Ellijay Primary School Gym on 196 McCutchen Street, the center provided an air-conditioned space for people to relax and stay cool.
“I just want to do what I can to help the community,” Nia Jetter, a volunteer at the center said.
Peak heat index was expected to reach between 103 and 112 degrees this week, GCEM said.
According to the National Weather Service, this week’s temperatures made heatstroke highly likely for those without air conditioning or shelter.
“People don’t realize there are homeless people in Ellijay,” volunteer Martha Heffner said.
In these conditions, people should drink lots of water and stay out of the sun.
The signs of heatstroke include high body temperature, hot dry skin, rapid and strong pulse and possible unconsciousness.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Victims should be taken to the hospital and cooled off.
Water is important to prevent heatstroke, but once suffering from heatstroke symptoms, those afflicted should seek medical attention.
On Facebook, GCEM advised visitors to the center to bring their own seating, a nonalcoholic drink and something to read.
The center doesn’t accept pets.
“People need to volunteer. We just don’t have enough,” Hefner said.