NATCHEZ — As the rain clears and temperatures rise, it will be very important for residents to keep cool — some without air conditioning.

Respiratory problems are common in heat and humidity, especially for the elderly, Natchez Regional chief nursing officer Lana Morgan said.

Fortunately the weather has been relatively cool since the storm and the Red Cross has not heard about any heat related problems, but residents still need to be careful, Red Cross health services manager Ann Thornhill said.

“Drink plenty of water and if

(you) get hot please go underneath a tree or something to stay under some shade,” Thornhill said. “If (you) go into a building and it’s really hot, (you) should stay for a while and then go outside to cool and off, and drink lots and lots and lots of water.”

People should also try to stay in air-conditioned areas or under fans.

“Unfortunately, there will not be many air-conditioned areas,” she said.

That is the problem for Betty Lou Nettles, a resident of Duncan Park who is still without power.

“Since the sun is not shining it’s been OK,” she said. “We’ve got windows open and air circulation. (When the sun comes out) it’ll be very hot with the steam coming off of the ground.”

Nettles said she is prepared do deal with a lack off air conditioning, but she is not happy about it.

“I don’t have a choice, so yeah, (I’m ready to deal with it),” she said. “As long as we have a little bit of breeze we’re OK.”

While there will not be special shelters for locals, Miss-Lou residents are welcome at all Red Cross shelters, which will stay open as long as needed, Thornhill said.

“The locals are welcome to go to the regular shelters,” she said. “We do not distinguish between out of state, out of town or locals.”

The Red Cross is operating shelters at Parkway Baptist Church, Community Chapel Church of God and the Steckler Multipurpose Center.