ADDITIONAL COOLING CENTERS OPEN TO ACCOMMODATE CITIZENS LEFT WITHOUT POWER AFTER TUESDAY STORMS

MEMPHIS, TN – The City of Memphis is opening additional cooling centers to residents still without electricity as MLGW crews work to restore power after heavy rain and damaging winds hit the northern part of the city Tuesday afternoon.

Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has implemented its Thermal Plan and the city has opened a total of three cooling centers:

·         Orange Mound Community Center, 2572 Park, Ave. 38111, 576-6878

·         Raleigh Community Center, 3678 Powers, 38128, 372-2085

·         Whitehaven Community Center, 4318 Graceland, 38116, 332-0783

These centers will remain open until 8pm. Citizens can also find relief from the heat at malls, shopping centers, libraries, and community centers that are opened during normal business hours.

MATA will assist individuals in need of transportation to community center sites. Please call 901-636-2525 to arrange transportation.

MLGW continues with its second day of restoration efforts. The utility has restored service to nearly 21,000 of the 28,000 customers who were without power due to the storm. A little more than 7,000 customers are still without power. Currently, 73 crews are working to restore power. Crews from other utilities are currently assisting with restoration efforts. The estimated time for full restoration due to this storm is Fri., July 17 at noon.

The OME is working with the area partners the Red Cross, Shelby Cares, the Union Mission and Salvation Army to identify and meet citizens heat-related needs. Also, Memphis Fire Department and Police personnel are  conducting wellness checks on individuals with known needs and power issues.

The following health precautions are recommended to avoid dehydration, heat-related illnesses or more severe consequences, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.

·         Drink non-alcoholic and caffeine-free liquids, such as water and juices. 

·         Be aware of those at high risk, such as the elderly, infants- check on elderly parents, relatives, acquaintances and neighbors as often as possible.

·         Do not leave infants, children, the elderly or pets unattended in a parked car (even if the windows are down or the air conditioning is on) or any other hot environment.

·         Plan to exercise and do other strenuous activities early or late in the day when it is cooler or utilize air-conditioned facilities.

·         Use an umbrella, hat or sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun, and wear loose-fitting and light clothing to help heat escape away from your body. Rest frequently in a shady area.

·         Ask your physician whether you are at particular risk because of medication. 

·         Remember to leave fresh water in the bowl for pets kept outdoors and provide as much shade as possible. Change the water frequently to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

Those feeling any symptoms of heat illness such as dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps or headache, should immediately stop all activity and move to a cooler area to rest and drink fluids. Medical attention should be sought if symptoms do not improve.

Please follow OEM on Twitter - @MemphisOEM, Facebook - City of Memphis Office of Emergency Management. If you have questions, please contact OEM at (901) 636-2525