BLOOMINGTON – Monroe County remains under a heat advisory until 8 p.m. tonight, and
the Monroe County Health Department (MCHD) is offering free cooling cloths to members of
the public while supplies last, with a focus on those who work outdoors.
Individuals can pick up a cooling cloth at the Health Services Building front desk (at 119 W 7th
St. in Bloomington) between now and 4 p.m. today. Supplies are limited and available on a
first-come, first-served basis.
Heat-related illness is preventable, but it requires taking precautions, especially for people who
work outside. MCHD offers the following heat safety reminders:
- Stay hydrated by drinking water frequently, even if you don’t feel thirsty
- Take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, including heavy sweating, dizziness,
nausea, confusion, or hot/dry skin - Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle
Cooling stations are open today from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Visit Indiana211 at IN211.org or call 2-1-1 for information on cooling stations, or view the list of cooling stations open today at the Monroe County Emergency Management page on Facebook.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness should seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms can include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, fatigue, very high body temperature, and confusion or altered mental state.
