The Health Department is advising residents to maintain their homes at a minimum 60 degree temperature, dress in layers both inside and outside, and to not use alternative heating sources to warm their homes.

The use of alternative heating sources is a major health hazard in the winter. “Alternative heating sources are dangerous and pose a risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning,” said Dennis Jenkerson City of St. Louis Fire Chief.

Heat-Up St. Louis is helping area seniors and the disabled with their winter heating bills, they and qualified area low-income households should call 314-241-7668 , or log onto  www.heatupstlouis.org .

For information on warming sites, you can contact United Way Greater St. Louis Information Referral line at 1-800-427-4626  or dial 2-1-1.

The City of St. Louis will also open its Cold Weather Overflow Shelter to accommodate homeless men, women and children during the severe cold.

The shelter, located at the 12th and Park Rec Center, will be open Thursday, Friday Saturday and Sunday (December 5-8, 2013) nights.

“The Overflow Shelter is a crucial resource for some of our most vulnerable neighbors,” Bill Siedhoff, Director of Human Services, said.

The City provides the Overflow Shelter as part of a cooperative project, supported by the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, St. Louis Crisis Nursery, AmeriCorps St. Louis and Windsor Veteran Transitional Housing.

Cold Weather Tips

Stay Warm and Protected
When exposed to cold temperatures, your body is at risk of injury due to hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature) and frostbite caused by the body freezing. Most at risk are (1) elderly people with inadequate food, clothing, or heating; (2) babies sleeping in cold bedrooms; (3) people who remain outdoors for long periods—the homeless; (4) people who drink alcohol or use illicit drugs.

Warning signs of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, low energy whereas warning signs of frostbite include numbness, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy and discoloration.

When keeping temperatures low in the home or before going outdoors, be sure to wear layers including proper outerwear, hats and gloves to protect skin from exposure to the extreme cold.

Ice and Snow, Bring Falls
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), falls can cause moderate to severe injuries, such as hip fractures and head traumas, and can increase the risk of early death particularly among older adults. Over 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls. In 2010, about 21,700 older adults died from unintentional fall injuries.

 To make walking safer:

• Salt and clear any accumulating snow on walkways.
• Wear protective shoes with tread; take your time and walk with caution.
• Pay close attention to where you are walking to avoid patches of ice.

Heat your home safely
Improper use of space heaters, ovens, fireplaces and generators to heat homes create two major causes of preventable deaths during the winter season: Carbon monoxide a colorless odorless gas that can cause sudden illness or death and fires involving home heating.

To minimize your risk of these dangers related to the use of alternative heating sources:

• Do not use a gas range, oven, or grill to heat home.
• In the event of a power outage, do not use a generator indoors, near doors or windows to home; do not warm up your vehicle in the garage or enclosed area close to doors, vents or windows of a home
• If conditions are too cold, seek shelter with friends, family.

Stay Safe and Be Sure to Check on Your Elderly Neighbors!

All residents, especially the elderly, young children, and those at risk for heat related illness, should take precautions to protect themselves from the heat. Stay in the coolest environment possible and limit or stop outdoor activity. Try to spend at least part of each day in air conditioning. Drink plenty of cool water to prevent dehydration and avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine. Check daily on elderly or chronically ill relatives and neighbors.

Children should never be left in closed vehicles. In extreme heat children or pets can perish when left inside a closed vehicle for even a short period of time. Make sure that outdoor pets have access to shade and fresh water at all times.

Down St. Louis is helping area seniors and the disabled with their air-conditioning and utilities; and area low-income households may also apply for utility assistance only, at 314-241-7668, or www.cooldownstlouis.org.
For information on cooling sites, contact the United Way Greater St. Louis Information Referral line at 1-800-427-4626 or if calling from a land line phone, dial 2-1-1. For help with a serious heat related illness, call 911.

The City of St. Louis coordinates all weather related responses with Operation Weather Survival (OWS) www.crh.noaa.gov/lsx/?n=ows. This regional body is a network of public and private organizations that collaborate, coordinate resources, and help educate the public to prevent illness and death caused by extreme hot or cold weather.

Precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses:

• Stay in the coolest environment available. If you are outdoors, try to stay in the shade. While indoors, use an air conditioner if possible. When using a fan, keep windows on the shady side open and use the fan for ventilation. When temperatures are above 95 degrees F., spend time in air-conditioned public places if no air conditioning is available at home.
• Drink plenty of cool water and other iced, non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated liquids.
• Eat light, easily digested food; avoid hot, heavy meals. Limit cooking to keep indoor temperatures lower.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored natural fiber clothing. Wear a hat to protect your head from the sun.
• Limit activity in the middle of the day when temperatures are the hottest. Those working outdoors or in non-air conditioned buildings should drink plenty of fluids and, if possible, adjust working hours.
• Don’t forget outdoor pets. If they can’t be brought inside, be sure to provide shade and cool fresh water daily.
• Be extremely cautious if you have chronic respiratory problems since excessive heat can contribute to poor air quality.
• Do not increase salt or potassium intake without consulting your doctor. Check all medications with your pharmacist for increased risk of heat related illness.
• If you feel unusually weak, dizzy, or confused, call your doctor or 911.
• Check regularly on elderly, chronically ill or incapacitated relatives, neighbors and friends. If they have air conditioning available, encourage them to use it.
• If you are age 60 or older, have been sick recently, or live alone without air conditioning, go to an air-conditioned place to stay or for at least several hours daily.
• Bathe or shower frequently using cool water.

(ST. LOUIS/ June 20, 2013) This summer St. Louis area Vatterott College locations are joining Cool Down St. Louis in an effort to help the region’s most vulnerable.  Cool Down St. Louis is a bi-state area charity that builds awareness in avoiding and alleviating heat related illness and deaths, helps with utility bills and provides resources like air-conditioners. This program primarily focuses on the elderly, disabled and families experiencing financial difficulties in Missouri and Illinois. Vatterott College campuses are now collecting new and slightly used air conditioner units throughout the summer months to repair and distribute in partnership with Cool Down St. Louis and its social service partners. Donation sites are located at all St. Louis area campuses including Berkeley, St. Charles, Sunset Hills and in Fairview Heights, Ill.

Instructors inspect the units to make sure they are in good working order and notify Cool Down St. Louis when they are ready for pick up. These refurbished air conditioners are given to Cool Down St. Louis which, through an established volunteer and social service network, supplies them to area seniors and disabled adults in need.  Vatterott also joins Cool Down St. Louis in asking the public to check on their neighbors, and encourage seniors and the disabled adults to keep on their air.

To those donating units, Cool Down St. Louis will provide a tax-deductible receipt.

“It is an honor to be able to help those in need stay cool and safe during the summer heat,” said  LeeAnn Edwards, Campus Director at Vatterott College in Berkeley. “Often St. Louisans endure blazing temperatures during the summer months. Our campuses realize the importance of helping their elderly and disabled neighbors. This is a way for them to reach out and make a difference.”

Cool Down St. Louis is also providing utility assistance (while funds last) to area seniors, disabled and low-income households this summer. People wishing to adopt a senior can do so by sending a tax-deductible donation to: Cool Down St. Louis, c/o UMB Bank, P.O., Box 868, St. Louis, MO 63188 or log-onto www.cooldownstlouis.org. 100% of all public donations are used strictly to assist the needy.

The Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Service Technician diploma program is a 60-week program at Vatterott College. The associate degree program is an 80-week program with an emphasis on management. The HVAC training program provides courses in fundamental electricity, refrigeration, air conditioning and heating fundamentals. For more information call 314-264-1000 or visit www.vatterott.edu.

About Vatterott College
Vatterott College has been dedicated to providing quality career training to students seeking the skills to advance in their field since 1969. Vatterott, with its headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, has campuses across the Midwest. Diploma, associate and bachelor degrees are offered in trade industries and computer technology, with 25 locations, as well as an online division, across ten states. To learn more, please visit www.vatterott.edu.
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For more information contact:
Phyllis Weiss or Jaimie Westholt
314.542.0400
pweiss@mswmarketing.com
jwestholt@mswmarketing.com

ST. LOUIS (June 18, 2013) – As part of its Air Conditioner Giveaway Program, Ameren Missouri donated 240 window air conditioner units to Cool Down St. Louis, a regional not-for-profit public education and resource charity, which will distribute them to disabled and elderly Ameren Missouri customers throughout eastern Missouri. Included in this total are 30 units that are being distributed to the Jefferson County Health Department.

“Giving back to communities and organizations is an important part of our company’s culture,” said Warner Baxter, president and CEO of Ameren Missouri. “We are proud to support Cool Down St. Louis, its partner agencies, and the Jefferson County Health Department through this collaboration that provides an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of people in our service territory.”

The air conditioners are ENERGY STAR® certified units that meet the strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy. They cost approximately 75 cents per day to operate.

“Our Air Conditioner Giveaway Program helps ensure that our most vulnerable customers are safe during the hot summer months,” said Michael Moehn, senior vice president of Ameren Missouri Customer Operations. “Owning an air conditioner or having access to one is vitally important. With temperatures on the rise and safety in mind, we’re encouraging our customers who have air conditioners to use them when it’s extremely hot.”

The program is supported by Cool St. Louis officials, St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley, St. Charles County Executive Steve Elhmann, and St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson, who represents the Greater St. Louis Area Fire Chiefs Association.

“We want to thank Ameren Missouri, as they continue to demonstrate good corporate citizenship by reaching out to their less fortunate neighbors through Cool Down St. Louis,” said Mayor Slay, honorary board chair of Cool Down St Louis. “We will serve as the vanguard to ensure that these units are given to qualified seniors and people with disabilities in order to keep them safe this summer.”

“These are challenging times for so many seniors and disabled people, who are scared to ask for help,” said St. Louis County Executive Dooley, vice chair of Cool Down St Louis. “Therefore, we need to make sure to check on our neighbors so that they can enjoy a cool and safe summer. We’re trying to stay ahead of the curve by being prepared, and thanks to Ameren Missouri, we will be ready for this smoldering heat when it arrives consistently. We want everyone to keep on the air.”

St. Charles County Executive Steve Elhmann also expressed appreciation of Ameren Missouri and its commitment to the program, which is now in its eighth year.

“Being without a cooling source isn’t just an urban challenge,” he said. “Some of our seniors and residents with disabilities have fallen on hard times. The people of St. Charles are grateful to the effective teamwork of Ameren Missouri and Cool Down St. Louis and their network of partners. Because of everyone’s collective efforts, many residents in need can now hopefully experience an enjoyable, safe and cool summer throughout our region.”

Eligible recipients have already been selected by Cool Down St. Louis and its partner agencies, which includes age and certain medical circumstances to determine qualification.

“This gift by Ameren Missouri comes at a time when many seniors and people with disabilities can’t afford to stay cool,” said Melanie DiLeo, board chairwoman of Cool Down St. Louis. “Ameren Missouri’s generosity marks a gift of life, and will provide an opportunity for our seniors to remain cool and safe during the smothering summer.”

“This summer, it’s important to have everyone check on their elderly and disabled neighbors to avoid heat-related illnesses,” said Rev. Earl E. Nance, Jr., chair emeritus of the regional charity. “Thanks to Ameren Missouri, we’re able to distribute thousands of our Check On Your Neighbor Cooling Cards, which is a valuable resource for those in need.”

While recognizing the generosity of Ameren Missouri, Cool Down St. Louis officials are reminding other area corporations and the public that they too can donate a new and slightly used air conditioner (no less than two years old) to the regional charity by dropping-off a unit at any Vatterott College location. More information and locations are available at cooldownstlouis.org. Last year, Cool Down St. Louis distributed more than 675 donated air conditioners thanks to Ameren Missouri and the general public. If a senior or person who is disabled needs assistance, please visit the Cool Down St. Louis website or call the organization’s automated hotline at 1.314.241.7668.

In addition to promoting heat safety and the importance of running an air conditioner during the hot summer months, Ameren Missouri invites customers to learn about its ActOnEnergy Savers programs – like CoolSavers, which offers rebates to replace inefficient air conditioner units, AC tune-ups and equipment. More information is available at ActOnEnergy.com/Missouri.

# # #
Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than a century, and our electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. We serve 1.2 million electric and 127,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. Our mission is to meet their energy needs in a safe, reliable, efficient and environmentally responsible manner. Our service area covers 63 counties and more than 500 towns, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit AmerenMissouri.com.

“We’re so indebted to the hundreds of volunteers in the bi-state area, who can help us with those struggling between a lack of home heating and possibly a health and safety issue,” said Melanie DiLeo, chairwoman of the board of directors for the all-volunteer charity.  “Many seniors, disabled and low-income families with small children depend on us being that safety net making a difference.”

The 13th Annual Hardee’s Rise ‘N Shine for Heat fundraiser will primarily provide made-from-scratch Sausage ‘N Egg biscuit sandwiches for a special price of $1.00 during the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. during the breakfast. Monies collected as tips from volunteers positioned in the drive-thru, parking lot and the restaurant along with canisters on the counter will stay in the city or county where collected.  Hardee’s will expand its canister collection portion of the fundraiser through the weekend.

“Winter time is traditionally the most unsafe time of the year,” said St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson, vice-chair of the HUSTL health and safety committee.  “Many people instead of paying their primary heating bills decide to use electric space heaters often in unsafe environments, to keep their families warm.” Jenkerson stressed that the use of unsafe methods of heating homes have often ended in tragedies, and extensive property damage.

The St. Louis Rams, NFL Cheerleaders, St. Louis Cardinals Fred Bird; Rampage, the Rams mascot, and volunteers from Arch Rival Roller Girls, Monsanto, AFLAC, The Engineer Club, UMB Bank, Peabody Energy, CITI, Ranken Jordan, St. Louis County officials,  Hardee’s, CH2M Hill, St. Louis Health Department , St. Patrick Center, St. Vincent DePaul, St. Anthony’s Medical Center, South County Chamber, Community Council of St. Charles County,  students from the Academy of Sacred Hearts, Catholic Urban Programs of Southern Illinois, Urban League of Madison County, and Urban League of Greater St. Louis will participate as celebrity greeters.  The volunteers will all wear official Heat-Up/Hardee’s collection aprons and will accept tips from the customers, while referring them to Hardee’s employees to purchase specially priced Sausage ‘N Egg biscuit sandwiches.

The public can also make tax-deductible donations through the charity’s secured website at: www.heatupstlouis.org, or by check or money order to Heat-Up St. Louis, Inc., c/o UMB Bank, P.O. Box 868, St. Louis, MO 63188.  A direct donation is 100% tax deductible, as prescribed by law.

In the past three-and-half weeks, Heat-Up St. Louis, Inc. has doled out more than $225,000 in utility assistance money within the St. Louis region.  “We’re broke, too many people have depended on us, and donors don’t give during warm winter cycles,” said Lance LeComb, board president. “But if donors look at their January natural gas, or electric bills, they too will feel the financial impact.”  LeComb also pointed out that the charity provides one-time heating grants for propane, coal and home heating oil, as well as natural gas and electric.

“Don’t let the often unseasonably warm weather fool you,” said the Reverend Earl E. Nance, Jr., chair emeritus and co-chair of this year’s benefit.  “The cold snaps within the past 45 days have kept those furnaces running, often day and night, posing an expensive challenge for many on fixed incomes, or those who just can’t afford utility service.”

Reverend Nance pointed out that often Heat-Up St. Louis funds maybe the only source of assistance in some parts of the St. Louis region.  LIHEAP, the federal program qualifies certain income levels, and several other utility or government programs are used with Heat-Up St. Louis grants, as a supplemental source to re-connect service or stop a disconnection notice due to the sizes of the utility bill.  However, of late Heat-Up St. Louis has become the primary source for utility assistance, putting a financial strain on its fundraising efforts.

Hardee’s has partnered with Heat-Up St. Louis for the past 13 years. The quick-service chain also underwrites the costs of the product, aprons and other administration expenses to ensure that 100% of all sales and tips collected go to Heat-Up St. Louis.  HUSTL in turn partners with major social service and community action agencies to qualify the needy and keep the donations collected in their respective towns or counties.

Since its inception, the 56 member, diverse, all-volunteer board of directors has impacted the lives of more than 300,000 persons and received more than $8 million in various donations. The Board of Directors routinely underwrites all administration costs, so that 100% of public donations are used solely to provide utility assistance.  The charity also operates a resource automated hotline at 314-241-7668, as well as on-line assistance through www.heatupstlouis.org.   Heat-Up St. Louis oversees all of the applicants, who are being qualified by their partnering agencies in Missouri and Illinois.