For the Tomahawk Leader
LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) on Monday, June 19 announced a list of cooling centers in Tomahawk, Merrill and Gleason.
“While many people look forward to the warmer temperatures, it’s important to remember that hot conditions can turn dangerous quickly and pose a risk to health and safety, especially for infants and children, older adults and individuals with certain medical and chronic conditions,” LCHD stated.
Lincoln County has numerous designated cooling centers, air-conditioned facilities where county residents are invited to get relief from extreme heat during business hours.
LCHD thanked the following businesses and organizations for participating as cooling centers this summer.
Tomahawk
Tomahawk cooling centers, hours and contact information:
- Tomahawk Senior Center, 113 S. Tomahawk Ave.; Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 715-453-5757.
- Tomahawk City Hall, 23 N. 2nd St.; Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; 715-453-4040.
- Tomahawk Public Library, 300 W. Lincoln Ave.; Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 715-453-2455.
Merrill
Merrill cooling centers, hours and contact information:
- Merrill Enrichment Center, 303 N Sales St.; Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; 715-536-4226.
- Riverside Athletic Club, 500 S. Center Ave.; Monday – Thursday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; 715-536-2481.
- Smith Multi–Purpose Center (MARC), 1100 Marc Dr.; Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 715-536-6187.
- T.B. Scott Free Library, 106 W. 1st St.; Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 715-536-7191.
- Walmart, 505 S. Pine Ridge Ln.; Monday – Sunday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. 715-536-2414.
- Les & Jim’s Lincoln Lanes, 1208 N. Center Ave.; Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.; 715-536-9405.
Gleason
Gleason cooling centers, hours and contact information:
- Gleason Bowling Center, N4878 Hwy. 17; Monday, Wednesday – Saturday. 11 a.m. to close; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 715-873-4588.
LCHD said the public can beat the heat this summer by following these safety tips:
- Stay hydrated. Drink a lot of water. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea and sodas.
- Avoid going outside in extreme heat. Limit outside activity to early morning or late evening.
- Wear sunscreen. Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated.
- If you don’t have air conditioning, keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but windows slightly open.
- Keep lights off or turned down.
- Limit the use of the stove.
- Wear lightweight, loose, light-colored clothing.
- Take cool baths and showers.
- Don’t leave anyone, including pets, in a parked car – even for a few minutes.
- Check up on family, friends, and neighbors during extreme heat. If you are unable to reach them, call 911 and request a well-being check.
Businesses or organizations interested in being a designated cooling center may contact Kristin Bath, Public Health Educator, at [email protected] or 715-539-1373. A current list of local cooling centers is available at www.lincolncountyhealthdepartment.com.