Detroit Parks and Recreation Department offers ways to keep cool

The Detroit Parks & Recreation Department and the Detroit Public Library have cooling centers open during weekdays to provide air-conditioned comfort and protection from the heat.  The cooling centers are open throughout the summer during excessively hot days.

List of Detroit Cooling Centers that Operate Monday through Friday

Crowell Recreation Center
16630 Lahser Road, Detroit, MI  48223 | 313) 628-2050
Monday – Friday from noon – 8 p.m.

Coleman A. Young Recreation Center
2751 Robert Bradby Dr., Detroit, MI  48207 | (313) 628-0995
Monday – Friday from noon – 8 p.m.

Farwell Recreation Center
2711 E. Outer Drive, Detroit, MI  48234 | (313) 628-2028
Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Patton Recreation Center
2301 Woodmere, Detroit, MI  48209 | (313) 628-2001
Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Main Library – 5201 Woodward Avenue, near Warren | (313) 481-1300
T, W: Noon – 8 p.m. | Th, F, Sa: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Also open on Saturdays

Campbell Branch – 8733 W. Vernor | (313) 481-1550
M, W: Noon – 8 p.m. | T, Th, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Chaney Branch – 16101 Grand River, near Greenfield | (313) 481-1570
M, W, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | T, Th: Noon – 8 p.m.

Chase Branch – 17731 W. Seven Mile, near Southfield | (313) 481-1580
M, W, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | T, Th: Noon – 8 p.m.

Conely Branch – 4600 Martin, near Michigan | (313) 481-1590
M, W, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  | T, Th: Noon – 8 p.m.

Edison Branch – 18400 Joy Rd., near Southfield | (313) 481-1720
M, W: Noon – 8 p.m. | T, Th, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Elmwood Park Branch – 550 Chene, near Lafayette | (313) 481-1730
M, W, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | T, Th: Noon – 8 p.m.

Franklin Branch – 13651 E. McNichols, near Gratiot | (313) 481-1740
M, W, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | T, Th: Noon – 8 p.m.

Hubbard Branch – 12929 W. McNichols, near James Couzens  | (313) 481-1750
M, W: Noon – 8 p.m. | T, Th, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Thomas Jefferson Branch – 12350 E. Outer Drive, near E. Warren | (313) 481-1760
M, W: Noon – 8 p.m. | T, Th, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Knapp Branch – 13330 Conant, near E. Davison | (313) 481-1770
M, W: Noon – 8 p.m. |  T, Th, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Parkman Branch – 1766 Oakman Blvd., near Linwood | (313) 481-1810
M, W: Noon – 8 p.m. | T, Th, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Redford Branch – 21200 Grand River, near W. McNichols | (313) 481-1820
M, W: Noon – 8 p.m. | T, Th, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sherwood Forest Branch – 7117 W. Seven Mile, near Livernois | (313) 481-1840
M, W, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | T, Th: Noon – 8 p.m.

Skillman Branch – 121 Gratiot, near Library Street | (313) 481-1850
M, T, W, Th, F: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

When temperatures rise above 90 degrees, everyone is at risk, but the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illness. Signs of heat-related illness include headache, dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, confusion and pale or flushed skin. The American Red Cross recommends the following treatment for people suffering from heat-related illness:

• Move the victim to a cool place.
• Give him or her cool water to drink.
• Apply ice packs or cool wet cloths to the skin.
• If a victim refuses water, vomits, or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Tips for preventing heat-related illness

• Stay indoors if possible. Stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air-conditioning, go to a public place that does, including the City of Detroit cooling centers. If outside, stay in the shade.
• Drink water. Even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
• Wear light-colored clothing.  (Avoid wearing black clothes, especially if you’re in direct sunlight.)  Loose fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• Never leave a person, especially children or the elderly, or a pet in a closed, parked vehicle.  The temperature inside the car can become 30 to 40 degrees hotter than the outside temperature.
• Slow down and avoid strenuous activity. If you must work outside, take frequent breaks.
• Visit at-risk people twice a day and watch them for signs of heat illness.
• Speak with your doctor about any medications you are taking to learn whether they may interfere with your body’s ability to regulate temperature.
• Do not use salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.