Issue date: 6/30/09 Section: News

Hard times and hot days may have cause some citizens to act bizarre in the desperate effort to beat the heat. (Cari Wafford/The Daily Eastern News)

As the temperature swelters, it leaves many people seeking refuge from the summer rays.

The heat also helps the rising cost of electrical bills.

Days come and go in the summer with minimal realization of what time or day it is, but everyone can tell when it is blistering hot outside.

"I don't think that it is an actual refuge spot, but I believe people can go to the library to cool off," City Clerk Deborah Muller said. "We don't deal with that aspect of things, but luckily, we have someone who does."

Dan Stretch, Director of Environmental Health at the Coles County Health Department, also refers people to the library for some much needed cooling, but in times of extreme heat there is another place designated for shelter.

"In normal hot times it is recommended that people go to the library or Wal-Mart," Stretch said. "If the heat is real bad, people can go to the Coles County Department of Human Service building located at 119 W. State Street. If that building gets too crowded, then Tom Watson, the emergency management agency coordinator, has set up plans with the (American) Red Cross for additional places."

Actonenergy.com is a Web site developed by Illinois' electrical provider, Ameren Illinois Utilities, AIU.

This site offers tips such as, turn the air conditioner's thermostat up.

For each degree you increase the temperature, you can reduce electricity use by about 3 percent.

Also, regularly change or wash (depending on type) air conditioner filters.

This is especially important if you have pets or live in area that has a lot of dust.

With central air conditioning, cool the rooms that are used.

Don't close more vents than necessary because closing too many vents reduces operating efficiency.

The Web site also mentions the AIU Act On Energy program is offering rebates to residential electric customers on Energy Star qualified products.

These products include $35 rebates on window air conditioners, as well as $25 rebates on dehumidifiers, and $20 on ceiling fans and ceiling fan kits.

For more information you can visit the Web site or call 1-800-755-5000.

Some signs of heat related illnesses are difficulty breathing, dizziness or fainting, excessive sweating, headaches, confusion, nausea.

If someone becomes a victim of a heat related illness, they should seek a cool shelter, drink cold water and call for help.

It is suggested to check on neighbors and the elderly to make sure they are OK.



Brad York can be reached at 581-7943 or at bayork@eiu.edu.

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