Purdue prepares for high temperatures, offers tips for staying cool

Central and north central Indiana will experience higher than normal heat and humidity this week, with temperatures in the 90s forecast today through Thursday (Aug. 29). A heat advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET today, with heat index values of up to 108 degrees expected.

Purdue has set up additional drinking water fountains at the following West Lafayette campus locations:

• Northwest corner of Stewart Center.
• Stadium Mall between the Purdue University Student Health Service and Neil Armstrong Hall.
• Northeast corner of Vawter Hall at Third Street.
• Northeast corner of Third Street and MacArthur Drive. A misting station is also available at this location.

Students and others on campus are advised to take these precautions to stay comfortable and avoid heat-related illness:

• Visit university spaces such as the dining courts, academic buildings and other air-conditioned buildings to stay cool.
• Use study spaces in air-conditioned buildings.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.  
• Keep non-air-conditioned rooms cool by running fans and keeping doors open to ensure air circulation when possible. In air-conditioned rooms, keep doors and windows closed and use blinds and shades to keep sunlight out of the room.
• Take cool showers before bed and consider placing a cool cloth on your forehead as you go to sleep.
• If possible, limit time outdoors to mornings and evenings when the temperature is coolest. If you must be outdoors, wear sunscreen, pace yourself and take breaks in the shade.

Learn more about monitoring for signs of heat-related illnesses and tips to stay comfortable by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Call 911 in case of emergencies.

Purdue is also sharing this information on campus digital signs and social media.