GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids residents are being proactive, trying to beat the heat wave this week, by going to the park Sunday to stay cool in the pool.
Many residents are trying to prepare for the heat wave on the horizon this week in West Michigan.
"I feel like I might not make it this week, I might not survive. Maybe the buses will help me out," said one Grand Rapids resident at Richmond Park Sunday afternoon.
Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-90s with heat index values above 100 degrees. According to the CDC, heat results in more than 1,000 deaths each year and it's important for people to stay hydrated and cool. One beachgoer at Grand Haven beach said he plans on doing just that.
"Just praying my air conditioning works. I might get in the kiddie pool with the dogs and drinking some cold and nice refreshing beverages," he said.
Many Grand Rapids residents were trying to beat the heat out at Richmond Park Sunday enjoying the pool and shade. The park's manager said people need to take the heat seriously.
"I mean, my thing with the heat is, like, people don't take it seriously. People don't care that it's hot out. It's so hot, like, my car, I go into all black every time it's really hot. So it's really good to get outside and get somewhere cool to stay, like at the beach, at the pool, at the splash pad, you know, sprinkler, run around, play outside, but do it safely. Do it where you can stay cool. Drink a ton of water," said Viviennae Casaletto, assistant manager and former lifeguard at Richmond Park.
As far as tips to avoid the heat? Casaletto said people need to wear sunscreen.
"I always preach it, preach it, preach it. Sunscreen and shade. I can't get enough," she said.
There will also be cooling centers throughout the City of Grand Rapids this week where people can get out of the heat and cool down.
Alano Club of Kent County
- Location: 1020 College Ave NE
- Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday - Sunday, 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Degage
- Location: 139 Sheldon SE
- Hours: Monday - Sunday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
- Cooling center limited to current guests; anyone may enter the dining room during meal times.
Exodus Place
- Location: 322 Front Ave
- Hours Monday - Sunday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Grand Rapids Public Library
- Location: All locations
- Hours: Available during regular hours
- More info: GRPL.org/Locations
Kent District Library
- Location: All locations
- Hours: Available during regular hours
- More info: KDL.org/Locations
Matthew’s House
- Location: 766 7th St NW
- Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mel Trotter
- Location: 225 Commerce Ave SW
- Hours: When in Code Red: Cooling center open daily from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- More info: There will be water coolers available at the entrances, and no services are lifted for non-violent offenses. Overnight bed assignment at 2:30 p.m.
West Grand Neighborhood Organization
- Location: 754 Leonard St NW #2
- Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Weekends will only be as staffing allows; call (616) 451-0150 first.
Get the complete forecast for the rest of the week here.
Ottawa County Emergency Management are encouraging residents to check in on family and friends during the extreme heat days.
The CDC also provided warning signs for both heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms: Feeling faint or dizzy, excessive sweating, cool pale clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, rapid and weak pulse, or muscle cramps.
What to do: Get to a cooler or air conditioned place, drink water, or take a cold shower or use a cold compress.
Heat Stroke
Symptoms: Throbbing headache, no sweating, body temperature above 103 degrees, red hot dry skin, nausea or vomiting, rapid and strong pulse, or loss of consciousness.
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