Extreme Heat

Cooling Center Contigency Plan

The primary goal of the Cooling Center Contingency Plan is to provide safe, cool environments for individuals during extreme heat, reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses. This plan outlines the steps and procedures to activate Cooling Centers when the National Weather Service Issues Heat Advisories, Watches, and Warnings for Duval County.

Thresholds for Activation - Heat Emergency

Heat Advisory:

• Cooling Centers will be activated when the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a Heat Advisory for Duval County for 3 or more consecutive days.
• This advisory indicates that the maximum heat index is expected to be between 108°F and 112°F.

Excessive Heat Warning:

• Cooling Centers will also be activated when an Excessive Heat Warning is issued by the NWS for Duval County.
• This warning is given when the maximum heat index is expected to reach 113°F or higher.

• All COJ Public Libraries: Accessible and air-conditioned spaces.
• COJ Community Centers: Available in multiple neighborhoods.
• COJ Pools and Splash Pads: Provide immediate cooling relief.

• Main Library (303 N. Laura St.)
• Legends Center (5130 Soutel Dr.)
  • Operating hours on Sundays and holidays will be from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Free transportation to Cooling Centers will be provided by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) on designated Heat Emergency days.

Stay Cool:

• Avoid Peak Heat: Avoid Peak Heat: Minimize outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you must be outside, find shade and take frequent breaks in cooler areas.

• Dress for the Weather: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing to allow your skin to breathe. Opt for breathable fabrics such as cotton to help evaporate sweat and keep your body cool.

• Seek Air-Conditioned Environments: Spend time in air-conditioned places like malls, libraries, or community centers to escape the heat.

• Protect Children and Pets: Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, as temperatures can quickly become dangerously high and potentially fatal.

Stay Hydrated:

• Drink Plenty of Water: Hydrate throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Dehydration can occur rapidly in hot weather.

• Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeinated beverages, as they can increase dehydration.

• Encourage Hydration: Remind family and friends to drink water regularly.

Stay Informed:

• Monitor Weather Updates: Keep track of weather forecasts and heat advisories. This will help you plan your activities, avoid extreme heat, and take necessary precautions.

• Recognize Heat-Related Illnesses: Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which include dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. If you or someone else experiences these symptoms, seek medical help immediately and move to a cooler environment.

• Painful cramps, especially in the legs
• Flushed, moist skin 

What to do if you have heat cramps:

• Replace carbohydrates and electrolytes by eating a snack with carbs (bananas) or drinking a sports beverage with electrolytes; Do this a few times an hour to prevent cramps from returning
• Cool down and get out of the heat
• Gently massage and stretch the cramping muscle
• Apply an ice pack to the muscle

• Muscle cramps
• Pale, moist skin
• Usually has a temp over 100.4° F (or 34° C)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Heavy Sweating
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Anxiety, and faint feeling

• Move to a cooler location
• Lie down and loosen your clothing
• Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible
• Sip water
• If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately

What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke, the most severe form of heat illness, occurs when the body's heat-regulating system is overwhelmed by excessive heat. It is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include:

• Warm, dry skin
• high fever, usually over 104° F (or 40° C)
• Rapid heart rate
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Agitation
• Lethargy
• Stupor
• Seizures, coma, and death are possible​

• Call 911 immediately — this is a medical emergency
• Move the person to a cooler environment
• Reduce the person's body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath
• Do NOT give fluids

• Heart disease: Heat increases the risk of heart attacks, arrhythmias and heart failure; These symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, chest tightness, irregular heart rate, nausea, swelling of lower extremities and fatigue
• Asthma/COPD and any chronic lung disease: Hot and humid air can cause airways to tighten and narrow and make breathing more difficult.  These symptoms can include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and fatigue
• Mental Health: More instances of suicide, homicide, violent crime occurs on extremely hot days; Heat can exacerbate severity of symptoms in those with mental illness and lead to depression, anxiety, hallucinations and sleep disturbances
• Diabetes: With extremes in temperature, those with Diabetes (types 1 or 2) have a more difficult time regulating body temperature and blood glucose. This can lead to dehydration, lightheadedness, nausea, and vomiting.

Medications That May Increase Heat Sensitivity
Medications Damaged by the Heat
Medications and Skin Sensitivity When Exposed to the Sun

Medications That May Increase Heat Sensitivity:

• Diuretics (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, acetazolamide) can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, increased risk of falling/fainting spells
• Beta Blockers (such as metoprolol, propranolol, atenolol) can lead to decreased sweating, reduced blood pressure, increased risk of falling/fainting spells  
• Calcium Channel Blockers (such as amlodipine, nifedipine, felodipine) can lead to reduced blood pressure and increased risk of falling/fainting
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs (such as enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril, valsartan, losartan) decreased sense of thirst, reduced blood pressure, increased risk of falling/fainting
• Nitrates (such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate) can lead to significant low blood pressure, increased risk of falling/fainting

• Mood stabilizer (such as lithium) can lead to diabetes induced water loss and risk of fainting falls and electrolyte imbalance. There's also a risk of lithium toxicity associated with dehydration.
• Antipsychotics (such as haloperidol, risperidone, olanzapine) can lead to impaired perspiration which can increase body temperature
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (such as fluoxetine, sertraline commonly known as Prozac and Zoloft) this can lead to increased sweating
• Stimulants (methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine commonly known as Ritalin and Adderall) can lead to increased body temperatures
• Tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline) can lead to decreased sweating

• Anti-seizure medications (carbamazepine, topiramate, ox carbamazepine) can lead to body temperature dysregulation, increased urination, dizziness, weakness.
• Older antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine commonly known as Benadryl) can lead to decreased sweating and impaired regulation of body temperature
• Over the counter pain medications (such as ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen) can lead to kidney injury with dehydration, increased body temperatures, liver injury with dehydration
• Certain antibiotics (such as sulfonamides commonly known as Bactrim) can lead to kidney injury with dehydration
• Certain HIV medications (such as indinavir) can lead to kidney injury with dehydration
• Thyroid replacement (such as levothyroxine) can lead to impaired regulation of body temperature, constriction of blood vessels

Medications Damaged by the Heat:

• Inhalers (used for asthma or COPD) that can actually burst in hot environments.
• Epinephrine auto injectors (commonly known as Epipen) may malfunction or deliver less epinephrine when in hot environments.
• Insulin should be stored in a refrigerator and may become less effective with prolonged heat exposure. 

Medications and Skin Sensitivity When Exposed to the Sun:

• Antifungal medications (such as flucytosine, griseofulvin, and voriconazole)
• Certain Antibiotics (such as metronidazole, tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones commonly known as Flagyl, Doxycycline, Cipro, Levaquin) can increase sun sensitivity and lead to a sunburn-like rash.

• Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.
• Don't leave your pet in a parked car: ON A WARM DAY, the temperature in a car can exceed 120° in a matter of minutes—even with the windows partially open. Your pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation.
• Walk your dog in the morning and evening: When the temperature is very high, do not let your dog linger on hot asphalt or concrete. Your pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.
• Know when your pet is in danger: Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, unresponsiveness, or even collapse.