Severe storms last night knocked out power for over 9,000 customers in Clinton County, With temperatures close to 100 degrees today and tomorrow, the Red Cross had to set up several cooling centers to help people beat the heat.
Shasta McIntosh and her kids were planning to go camping today. But this morning's storm and power outage dampened those hopes.
"We can't do any laundry, and we're not sure about the sump pump, the freezer, the refrigerator, and all the food," says McIntosh.
Instead, the kids are spending the day in the pool to avoid the heat. They say it's the only way to stay cool.
"We've been out in the car a little bit just getting the wind. We normally go sit at my parents house, but their power is out too and it's an even bigger mess down there," says McIntosh.
Hundreds of people in the neighborhood are suffering from no air-conditioning. In order to help them out, the Red Cross has opened up two cooling centers. One is in DeWitt, and the other in St. Johns.
"Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious illnesses, and we are working to help people prevent these illnesses," says Red Cross volunteer Mary Down.
Volunteers say they will spend the day handing out water and snacks. They will also keep the air and fans running in the building.
"We're looking at people who get dizzy easily from a lack of water. The thirst, the sweating, maybe a feverish feeling, all those things that aren't a normal part of life." says Down.
If you can't make it to a cooling center, volunteers say to try a nearby mall or take a dunk into the pool.
The Red Cross will keep the cooling centers open Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
