With temperatures in the triple digits and no relief in sight, the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for most of eastern Missouri, including Jefferson County.
The high temperatures pose a health risk for the very young, the very old and those whose health is compromised.
“Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events,” the NWS said on its website.
Ameren Missouri, the Jefferson County Health Department and Jefferson County Community Partnership’s Hammers of Hope program have teamed up with Cool Down St. Louis to provide heat relief for those without air conditioning.
Eligible homeowners who reside in Jefferson County and meet certain income and other criteria may apply to receive a free window air-conditioning unit. For more information or to apply, visit jccp.org or call 636-465-0983.
Cooling centers
Cooling centers are open in Jefferson County and the surrounding areas:
Arnold – Arnold Senior Center, 1695 Missouri State Road, 636-296-0475. Open Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
■ Crystal City – Quad Cities Senior Center, 221 Bailey Road, 636-937-8333. Open Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
■ De Soto – Knights of Columbus, 13225 Hwy. E, 636-586-8833. Open Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
■ Eureka – St Louis County Library Eureka Hills Branch, 103 Hilltop Village Center Drive, 314-615-8472. Open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed July 4).
■ Fenton – St Louis County Library Meramec Valley Branch, 645 New Smizer Mill Road, 314-994-3300. Open Mon.-Wed. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
■ Festus – Festus Public Library, 400 W. Main St., 636-937-2017. Open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
■ High Ridge – Feed My People, 3295 Ottomeyer Road, 314-631-4900. Open Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sat. 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
■ High Ridge – High Ridge Senior Center, 2800 Community Lane, 636-677-4578. Open Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
■ House Springs – Northwest Jefferson County Senior Resource Center, 6180 Hwy. MM, 636-677-4578. Open Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to -3 p.m.
■ Pevely – Jefferson County Rescue Mission, 8943 Commercial Blvd, 636-479-6000. Open Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Residents who are struggling with electric bills are encouraged to reach out to Ameren Missouri or a local community action agency for assistance. Visit AmerenMissouri.com/EnergyAssistance for details on the variety of programs available to help customers. Help is also available from the United Way of Greater St. Louis at 800-427-4626 or Cool Down St. Louis at 314-241-7668.
Hot weather energy-saving tips
Ameren Missouri offers the following tips for saving energy (and lowering costs!) during the current heat wave.
■ Take simple steps like closing the blinds or turning on ceiling fans to reduce the strain on your air conditioner. Keep curtains and drapes closed, especially during the afternoon, to reduce the heat indoors by as much as 33 percent.
■ Set ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise to create a cool breeze. Supplementing the air conditioner with a ceiling fan enables you to set the thermostat about four degrees higher without affecting comfort.
■ Close doors and air vents in rooms you aren’t using so your air conditioner can focus on cooling the rest of the house.
■ Cook meals on the grill or outdoor kitchen to reduce excess heat produced by large appliances.
■ Clean out air conditioner filters and HVAC ducts and change the air filters so your air conditioner can run as efficiently as possible.
■ Reduce hot water use, take shorter, cooler showers and use bathroom exhaust fans to remove heat and humidity.
■ Residents also are encouraged to upgrade to a “smart” thermostat that can be programmed to automatically run cooler when they are home and a bit warmer when they are out of the house. This strategy may help the average family save up to $180 in energy costs each year.