The Tom Lee Pool at 328 Peach and other public pools are open to help beat the heat and have safe fun in the process. (Photos by Warren Roseborough)

As Shelby County heads into the hottest stretch of the summer months, it is time to stake out some places where you can stay cool.    

Older people, pets and small children are all at increased risks for health problems as the temperatures begin creeping above the 90s. Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton Jr. already has activated the heat information line as a resource for citizens with heat-related inquiries and requests.

Safety is priority during the hot days ahead. For heat-related information, call 901-545-HEAT (4328) between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., including weekends.

Call 1-901-545-HEAT (4328) between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., including weekends, for safety tips or to get information about the following:

• “Cooling Centers” – A number of locations have been designated as cooling centers around Memphis and Shelby County for those who do not have air-conditioning.

• Fans for Seniors Program -– The Aging Commission of the Mid-South’s Fans for Seniors program uses volunteers to deliver fans to seniors over the age of 65 and those with disabilities. Individuals may receive a fan every other year if they live in Shelby County and do not have functioning air-conditioning. Those in need of a fan may contact the Aging Commission of the Mid-South at 901-324-3399.

The local public pool. Memphis residents need a pool ID before they can enter the facilities.

Health experts say air-conditioning is the very best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from excessive heat. If your house becomes too hot, stay with friends or relatives in a house or apartment with air conditioning. If that is not a possibility, seek out an air-conditioned place, such as a mall or library and stay there during the hottest part of the day. For more suggestions, call 545-HEAT.

Mayor Wharton strongly encourages residents to:

• Remain in an air-conditioned environment during the heat of the day

• Avoid strenuous activities

• Drink plenty of cool liquids often (especially water)

• Check on elderly and disabled relatives, neighbors and friends to make certain they are OK.

Meanwhile, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) emphasizes that pets need special care and attention during the summer as well.

It offers the following advice:

Make Sure the Food is Friendly. “Keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression and comas,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, senior vice president of animal health services for the ASPCA. “Similarly, remember that the snacks you serve your human friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with xylitol as a sweetner”

Pets Have it Made in the Shade. Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of water when it’s hot outdoors. Also, make sure your pet has a shady place in the yard. Bring them indoors when it’s extremely hot. “Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle,” says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. “On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heat stroke can develop, which is often fatal.”

Look Out for “High Rise Syndrome.” “During warmer months, The ASPCA sees an increase in injured animals as a result of ‘High-Rise Syndrome,’ which occurs when pets fall out of windows or doors and are seriously or fatally injured,” says Dr. Murray. “Pet owners need to know that this is completely preventable if they take simple precautions.” Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured.

Be Aware of Heated Situations. When taking your dog outdoors or in the company of other animals, always keep a watchful eye on those around you. Tempers may flare over territory, so it’s equally important to make sure your dog is safe and secure around strangers and other animals.

If your dog or cat accidentally ingests any potentially harmful products and you need emergency advice, please consult the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee applies) or www.aspca.org/apcc, or take your pet to a veterinarian immediately. For more information on having a fun, safe summer with your pet, please visit www.aspca.org.

Memphis’s first heat-related death for 2009

The Shelby County Medical Examiner has determined that a 76-year-old Memphis woman is the area’s first heat-related death for 2009.

Dr. Karen E. Chancellor, the Shelby County Medical Examiner, said the woman was found by a family member Saturday, June 20, inside of her Frayser home, where the indoor temperature was reported to be 88 degrees. The home did not have a working air-conditioner and there was no air flow inside the home.