3 days ago
City of El Paso activates cooling centers
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — May 30 is National Heat Awareness Day, and the City of El Paso, with the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), is activating cooling centers across the city.
According to a news release by the City, the cooling centers are indoor and air-conditioned spaces for people to take refuge from the heat.
The centers are a joint effort between the OEM, the City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department, El Paso Public Libraries, and the Extreme Weather Task Force.
The following recreation centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and will be closed on Sundays:
Valle Bajo Community Center and Library, 7380 Alameda Ave.
Marty Robbins Park, 11600 Vista Del Sol Dr.
Galatzan Recreation Center, 650 Wallenberg Dr.
Nations Tobin Park, 8831 Railroad Dr.
Public libraries will also be available to individuals looking to escape from the heat. The following libraries will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.
Armijo Library, 620 E. 7th St.
Clardy Fox, 5515 Robert Alva Ave.
Dorris Van Doren, 551 Redd Rd.
Esperanza Moreno, 12480 Pebble Hills Blvd.
Irving Schwartz, 1865 Dean Martin Dr.
Jose Cisneros/Cielo Vista, 1300 Hawkins Dr.
Judge Marquez, 610 N. Yarbrough Dr.
Main Library, 501 N. Oregon St.
The Main Library will also be open on Sundays from 1 to 6 p.m.
Memorial Park, 3200 Copper Ave.
Richard Burges, 9600 Dyer St. C
Sergio Troncoso, 9321 Alameda Ave.
Westside, 125 Belvidere Dr.
The City is also encouraging residents to seek relief from the heat by visiting local malls and shopping centers.
In addition, the City, in coordination with the Department of Public Health, OEM, the El Paso Fire Department, and the Extreme Weather Task Force, is launching a multi-agency public awareness effort to educate residents about how to stay safe during the summer heat.
According to the City, public health officials emphasize that infants, young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with underlying medical conditions are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Some signs and symptoms are, according to the City, are:
Heavy sweating, nausea, muscle cramps
Dizziness, fainting or confusion
Pale, clammy skin or a rapid, weak pulse
In severe cases: high body temperature, unconsciousness
Anyone experiencing signs of heat stroke should call 911 immediately and move to a cooler place.
In addition, El Pasoans are encouraged to:
Stay hydrated with non-sugary, non-alcoholic fluids
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and wide-brimmed hats
Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours
Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces when possible
Use sunscreen and take frequent breaks if working outdoors
Never leave children, elderly individuals, or pets unattended in a parked vehicle, even with windows cracked or the AC running
The City said to use the buddy system to check on neighbors, co-workers, or relatives who may be at greater risk.
Pet owners should:
Ensure pets have access to shade and fresh water
Avoid walking pets on hot pavement
Keep pets indoors during the hottest parts of the day
Never leave pets alone in parked vehicles
Veterinarians also recommend testing pets for heartworm during the warm months.
The City is also partnering with the Extreme Weather Task Force to host a Summer Safety Press Conference at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 5, at Fire Station No. 5, located at 400 Revere St.
The press conference will 'highlight seasonal safety guidance, the dangers of extreme heat and the launch of the annual Fan Drive.'
The Extreme Weather Task Force is accepting fan donations at all El Paso and Horizon fire stations. Residents in need of a fan may dial 211 to check eligibility and receive assistance.
For after-hours help or overnight shelter referrals, residents can call 311. More tips and resources are available at El Paso Ready and El Paso Health.
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