Cooling centers open in West Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Beating the heat has been a challenge for everyone, causing communities to open cooling centers.

And for dozens who had to suffer through the heat, the high temperatures also meant a trip to the emergency room.

Three dozen or so patients that showed up at Metro Hospital's emergency room over the last 24 hours showing symptoms of heat exhaustion: headache, nausea, pale skin, rapid heartbeat, fatigue and fainting.

Doctors say it's important that heat-related illness be treated seriously. In less than a day, it can lead to kidney failure.

Watch for warning signs that could mean there's a problem that warrants a visit to the emergency room: a lack of urination, if you stop sweating when you're hot, or a change in behavior.

If anyone does feel like they're overheating, doctors suggest spraying off with cold water to bring body temperature down faster.

The biggest advice doctors have is to stay out of the heat if possible. The heat wave of prompted cooling centers to be opened throughout the region.

The  American Red Cross has opened cooling centers through Saturday at the following West Michigan locations:
 
CALHOUN COUNTY:
    
Lakeview Square Mall
5775 Beckley Road, Battle Creek
Open from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

IONIA COUNTY:

Zion United Methodist Church
423 W. Washington St., Ionia
Open until heat wave ends

KALAMAZOO COUNTY:

American Red Cross of Greater Kalamazoo office
5640 Venture Court, Kalamazoo
Open from 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Douglas Community Center
1000 West Paterson St., Kalamazoo
Open from 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.

KENT COUNTY:
    
American Red Cross of Greater Grand Rapids
1050 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
Open from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Grand Rapids First Assembly
2100 44th St. SW, Wyoming
Open from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

ALLEGAN COUNTY:

Merson Church
3313 102nd Ave., Gobles
Open from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Call 1-800-REDCROSS or contact your local chapter

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Other cooling centers, not operated by the Red Cross, can be found at:

ALLEGAN COUNTY:
    
Wayland Union High School Fine Arts Center
850 East Superior St., Wayland
Open Friday from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
The pool will be open to swim. Families may bring board games.

BARRY COUNTY
 
Middleville United Methodist Church
111 Church St., Middleville
Open Friday from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

IONIA COUNTY:

Ionia County Community Mental Health
375 Apple Tree Dr., Ionia
Open Friday from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Movies, Wii and light refreshments available

Ionia County Commission on Aging
115 Hudson St., Ionia
Open Friday from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

NEWAYGO COUNTY
 
Everett Township Hall
1516 E. Eighth St., White Cloud
Open until 9 a.m. Saturday

OTTAWA COUNTY

Kollen Park Fire Station
279 Kollen Park, Holland
Hoses will be on for 30-minute durations
Friday at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m.

VAN BUREN COUNTY
 
Peace Lutheran Church
06321 Blue Star Highway, South Haven
Open Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.