The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning effective through the end of this week. Heat relief centers open in Monroe County are the Columbia Convalescent Center in Columbia and Oak Hill, the new Monroe County Nursing Home, in Waterloo. Columbia Convalescent Center is located at 253 Bradington Drive, behind the Marketplace grocery store. Oak Hill is located at 623 Hamacher Street, next to Southwestern Illinois Center For Health.

With high temperatures throughout the region, the Monroe County Emergency Management Agency is advising the following heat relief tips:

Make sure to check on the elderly, the incapacitated or those with breathing difficulties who do not have air conditioning in their residences, or who may not have it turned on.

Those who work outside or spend time in the heat can decrease the effects of heat by:
1. Drinking plenty of liquids, but avoiding the consumption of caffeinated drinks and alcohol.
2. Never ignore the signs of overheating, including nausea and dizziness.
3. Take cool baths or showers.
4. Use cold compresses on the neck and wrists.
5. Wear loose fitting, light color clothing.
6. In homes without air conditioning, keep the shades drawn, blinds closed and leave the windows slightly open.