LCHD announces list of local cooling centers

LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) this week announced a list of local cooling centers.

“While many of us look forward to the warmer temperatures, it’s important to remember that extreme heat can be dangerous, especially for infants and children, older adults and people with certain medical conditions,” LCHD said in a release.

Lincoln County has numerous designated cooling centers, which are 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. and 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.
• Strikers Tomahawk Bowl, 309 W. Wisconsin Ave. Wednesday – Sunday, 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Hours may vary. 715-453-3245.
• Our Sisters’ House, 328 E. Washington Ave. Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. 715 224-3520.

Merrill

Merrill cooling centers, hours and contact information:

• Lincoln County Service Center, 801 N. Sales St. Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• 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.
• B. Scott Free Library, 106 W. 1st St. 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. 715-536-7191.
• Walmart, 505 S. Pine Ridge Ln. Monday – Sunday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. 715-536-2414.
• Les and 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.
• MAC Home, 407 W. Main St. Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Standard screening conducted upon entry. 715-722-1200.

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.

Tips to beat the heat

LCHD said the public can say safe and beat the heat this summer by following these safety tips:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Limit time outdoors midday, when temperatures are hottest.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down.
• If you don’t have air conditioning, keep shades drawn and blinds closed.
• Keep lights off or turned down.
• Limit the use of a stove.
• Wear lightweight, loose, breathable, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool baths and showers.
• Don’t leave anyone, including pets, in a parked car – even for a few minutes.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors during extreme heat.

Businesses or organizations interested in being a designated cooling center may contact Kristin Bath, Public Health Educator, at kristin.bath@co.lincoln.wi.us or 715-539-1373.

A current list of local cooling centers is available at www.lincolncountyhealthdepartment.com.