(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

PARKERSBURG — High temperatures of 96 are predicted today and Wednesday as the area is under an extreme heat warning, and some facilities have opened their doors as cooling stations.

House to Home at 825 Seventh St. in Parkersburg is a day shelter for homeless individuals, but anyone who needs to cool off can come by between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. today and Wednesday, shelter manager Steven Belisky said.

“If they don’t have air conditioning in their house and they need somewhere to go, they can come here,” he said.

The shelter offers fans and air conditioning, shade in the back and water and cool treats, Belisky said.

“Water donations and popsicles have been pouring in,” he said, adding they are continuing to accept donations.

Other cooling stations include:

* Latrobe Street Mission, 1725 Latrobe St., Parkersburg, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

* New Hope Baptist Church’s Ministry Center, 1777 Rosemar Road, Parkersburg, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

* Vienna City Council chambers, 609 29th St., noon to 4 p.m. today and Wednesday

* The Gathering, 1005 14th St., Parkersburg, regular hours of 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-5 p.m. Saturday.

Given the extreme heat anticipated, the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness, the Ohio Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service Wilmington issued a release encouraging residents to use extra precaution to avoid heat-related stress. While this is true of everyone, the release said the most vulnerable populations are the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, the unhoused and people with a chronic medical condition.

Extreme heat is associated with an increase in heat-related illnesses, including cardiovascular, respiratory complications and heat stroke.

The Ohio EMA and its partners recommend balancing outdoor activities with measures that help the body cool off.

“Hot weather demands increased fluid intake, regardless of activity level,” the release said. “People who are planning to be outdoors should also take frequent breaks and dress for the weather in light-weight clothing.”

Other tips from the Ohio EMA, National Weather Service and Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness include:

Be a Good Neighbor

* Friends and neighbors are encouraged to periodically check on each other, especially the elderly and those with illnesses, since they are among those at highest risk for heat-related problems.

* The best defense against heat-related problems is prevention. Staying cool and making simple changes in fluid in-take, activities and clothing during hot weather will help keep you safe and healthy.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

* Increase your water intake. Don’t wait until you are thirsty before you start drinking water.

* Do not take salt tablets without a physician’s advice.

* Avoid beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine, because they can add to dehydration and increase the effects of heat illnesses.

Know How to Treat Heat Exhaustion

* Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or fainting.

* People experiencing these symptoms should be moved to a shady or air-conditioned area. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet clothes or towels.

* Have the person sip on a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. If the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 911 or the local emergency number.

Know the Symptoms of Heat Stroke

* Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. Call 911 immediately. Symptoms include: a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher; red, hot and dry skin with no sweating; rapid pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; unconsciousness; and gray skin color.

Never Leave Children or Pets in Vehicles

* Even in cool temperatures, cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures quickly. Even if the windows are left open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes.

* Children or animals left inside a vehicle are at risk for serious heat-related illnesses or even death.

* When traveling with children (even routine drives), remember to do the following:

* To remind yourself that a child is in the car, place your bag, phone or other items you will take with you in the back seat. This will force you to turn around before exiting the car.

* When leaving your vehicle, check the front and back seats to make sure no sleeping children (or pets) are left in the car.