EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The City of Las Cruces will continue operating its cooling stations through Saturday, June 21, with modified hours and locations, the City of Las Cruces said on Wednesday, June 18.
As we’ve previously reported, the City of Las Cruces activated its cooling stations on Monday, June 16, due to temperatures exceeding 100 degrees for several days.
A cooling station is “a place that offers temporary shelter from the heat for the elderly, high-risk residents and the public,” the City said.
The City says due to Juneteenth, its cooling stations will be closed on Thursday, June 19, except for the Meerscheidt Recreation Center at 1600 E. Hadley Ave., which will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The City says the following cooling stations will be open on Friday, June 20.
- Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- 304 W. Bell Ave. (575) 528-2455.
- Henry R. Benavidez Community Center, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- 1045 McClure Road (575) 541-2006.
- Meerscheidt Recreation Center, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- 1600 E. Hadley Ave. (575) 541-2563.
- Munson Center, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- 975 S. Mesquite St. (575) 541-3000.
- Sage Café, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- 6121 Reynolds Drive (575) 528-3151.
- Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- 200 E. Pichacho Ave. (575) 528-4000.
The City says the following cooling stations will be open on Saturday, June 21.
- Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- 200 E. Picacho Ave. (575) 528-4000.
- Meerscheidt Recreation Center, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- 1600 E. Hadley Ave. (575) 541-2563.
Residents are reminded to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, and check on relatives, neighbors, and pets, the City said.
In addition, people at a higher risk of heat-related illness include: infants and young children, older adults, people with disabilites, anyone with chronic heart of lung problems, overweight persons, those who work outdoors or in hot settings, users of some medications (especially some drugs for mental disorders, movement disorders, allergies, depression and heart and circulatory problems) and isolated person who won’t know when or how to cool off or call for help, the City said.
Residents should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
The City says the following symptoms of heat exhaustion include the following:
- Headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Weakness and moist skin
- Irritability or confusion
- An upset stomach
The City says the following symptoms of a heat stroke include the following:
- Dry, hot skin with no sweating
- Mental confusion or loss of consciousness
- Seizures or convulsions.
“Heat strokes are an emergency, and residents should immediately call 911 if anyone is experiencing these symptoms,” the City said.
Those who spend time outside should wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.
“Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location as quickly as possible,” The City said.
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