T-L Photos/SHELLEY HANSON and ROBERT A. DEFRANK ABOVE: LIFEGUARD JACOB Pielech watches over the swimmers at the Martins Ferry swimming pool on a hot afternoon.

MARTINS FERRY — As high temperatures persist local residents may be looking for places to cool off if they do not have adequate cooling in their homes or apartments.

In Belmont County, the emergency management agency annually releases a list of local cooling centers for people to go if in need.

The centers include fire stations, churches, social halls and more. People are asked to call ahead before driving to one of the centers. They also should bring any snacks, medicines and cell phones they may need as well.

For those looking for more entertainment while trying to keep cool, public places such as the Ohio Valley Mall or even a library can provide refuge during days of 90-degree-plus heat.

And there’s always the old standby — the local swimming pool or even a good soaking with a cold hose can be helpful.

Keeping hydrated with water or other drinks is necessary, too.

With temperatures hitting or exceeding the 90-degree mark, the heat index can make it feel like it is 100 degrees out.

The National Weather Service has described the current run of extra-hot days as a heat wave for the Ohio River Valley.

During such weather people need to be more aware of how their body is reacting to the heat and take care of themselves.

Dr. Jeremy Edgmon, chief medical officer for East Ohio Regional Hospital, on Tuesday said there are typically three medical phases related to the heat. First is heat cramps, second is heat exhaustion and the third is heat stroke, which is the most severe and can be deadly.

Heat cramps occur when someone becomes dehydrated and their muscles begin to cramp. Their body cannot get enough fluids, leading to lightheadedness and nausea. This first phase is one’s body saying, “Get into a cool place and drink water.”

“People need to stop and rehydrate and cool down their core temperature,” Edgmon said.

Heat exhaustion can happen when someone ignores the first phase. Symptoms include lightheadedness and goose pimples even though one is not sweating. One’s heart rate will increase and your body will try to knock you unconscious. If one is experiencing such symptoms they should get into a cool place and drink fluids. If one cannot recover, they should seek medical help at an emergency room where they can receive IV fluids.

The third phase, heat stroke, can lead to death.

“This is when you still don’t get cooled. … Your brain herniates and you die,” he said. “The whole key is not to get past the first stage.”

If people must be outside, Edgmon advises them to wear light colored clothing, to keep hydrated and to avoid alcohol.

“Take it easy and listen to your body,” he said.

Edgmon said people who take certain medicines, such as those for blood pressure, can be more susceptible to heat cramping or heat exhaustion. Drinking alcohol makes people more susceptible as well.

Egdmon, who also has a family medicine practice, said he sees patients every year who have heat-related illnesses.

“We’re seeing people coming in dehydrated. Sometimes they don’t realize it until a certain point and they pass out or become nauseated. Then they realize they better get help. Most of the time we try to explain to people to not let it get to that point,” he said.

Becky Horne, administrative assistant for the Belmont County EMA, said it is important for the county to make sure it has a list of available cooling centers just in case people need them each summer.

“During hot weather, spending at least a few hours in air conditioning can help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses,” Horne said.