Lee County heat-relief efforts continue
While Southwest Floridians have become accustomed to warm temps, it’s been especially sweltering throughout the region in recent days.
According to the National Weather Service, heat index levels in Southwest Florida have consistently been over 100 degrees.
“Temperatures will remain quite hot topping out in the low to mid 90s with heat indices reaching 100-107 degrees each afternoon,” the NWS Area Forecast Discussion on June 25 stated. “Not much relief expected overnight with low temperatures also remaining quite warm and muggy only dipping into the mid 70s to around 80 each night.”
In Lee County, officials have been lending a cool hand to people experiencing homelessness, as well as other vulnerable populations.
That help has been extended through Friday.
“Lee County Human & Veteran Services will continue to monitor weather conditions with Lee County Emergency Management staff,” said county spokesperson Tim Engstrom. “The county will work with its nonprofit partners to leverage additional heat-relief related services as necessary.”
The Lee County Human & Veteran Services, LeeTran and the Lee County Library System — as well as other partners — have set up cooling stations and cooling buses.
On Friday, Lee County Transit (LeeTran) will have a stand-by cooling bus at these locations:
• 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Cape Coral Transfer Station, 820 S.E. 47th Terrace, Cape Coral
• 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Lehigh Acres Park & Ride, 1121 Village Lakes Blvd., Lehigh Acres
• 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Merchants Crossing Transfer Station, near the Applebee’s at 15151 N. Cleveland Ave, North Fort Myers
A myriad of cooling stations have been made available throughout the county, with locations in Cape Coral including the West Cape Coral United Way Resiliency Hub, which is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday at 1499 S.W. Pine Island Road.
“Additionally, the county’s Housing, Outreach and Treatment (HOT) teams are in the community connecting with individuals experiencing homelessness to provide resources and distribute hot-weather supplies, including drinking water and cooling wraps,” Lee County officials stated in a release.
The Lee County Human & Veteran Services’ (HVS) Reach app, which is a free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play, is a way individuals experiencing homelessness can garner information about heat-relief related services available to them. App users should sign up to receive push alerts to receive timely updates.
Lee County’s coordinated entry phone line is available to connect individuals to services and resources. Call 239-533-7996 or visit leegov.com/dhs.
Additionally, the county’s Housing, Outreach and Treatment (HOT) teams are in the community connecting with individuals experiencing homelessness to provide resources and distribute hot-weather supplies, including drinking water and cooling wraps.
Lee County Human & Veteran Services will continue to monitor weather conditions with Lee County Emergency Management staff. The county will work with its nonprofit partners to leverage additional heat-relief related services as necessary. Additional updates will be provided via the Reach app, social media and leegov.com as they become available.
According to the Florida Department of Heath, “Heat stress can lead to a range of health issues, from heat cramps and heat exhaustion to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. Elevated body temperatures can strain the cardiovascular system, cause dehydration, and impair organ function. Recognizing the signs and taking preventive measures is essential.”
FDOH officials encourage individuals to stay properly hydrated and replenish their electrolytes to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. Some signs of heat stress include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, dizziness, headaches, nausea or vomiting, cool and moist skin.
“By taking proactive measures to combat heat stress, such as staying hydrated, seeking shade, and being aware of the well-being of ourselves and others, we can enjoy the summer while keeping our bodies cool, comfortable, and protected,” FDOH officials stated on its website.