Las Cruces cooling stations to open as triple-digit heat arrives
Las Cruces will activate cooling stations beginning Saturday as triple-digit temperatures arrive. Residents are encouraged to call ahead to verify hours.
City cooling stations are expected to be available from Saturday through at least Thursday, June 25.
Organ Mountain News report
LAS CRUCES - Las Cruces cooling stations will open beginning Saturday, June 20, as triple-digit temperatures are forecast for the city.
Cooling stations are expected to be available from Saturday through at least Thursday, June 25, though the city said days may be modified as necessary.
Cooling stations offer temporary shelter from the heat for older adults, high-risk residents and the public. Residents are encouraged to call cooling stations in advance to verify hours of operation. TTY users can call 711.
Thomas Branigan Memorial Library
- 200 E. Picacho Ave.
- 575-528-4000
- Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Mesilla Valley Intermodal Transit Terminal
- 300 W. Lohman Ave.
- 575-541-2500
- Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The terminal is closed Sunday.
Meerscheidt Recreation Center
- 1600 E. Hadley Ave.
- 575-541-2563
- Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. The center is closed Sunday.
- The facility is currently undergoing construction, but designated areas that remain open to the public will continue to operate as a cooling station.
The city’s senior centers also will be available as cooling stations from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. They are closed Saturday and Sunday.
Senior centers include:
- Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center, 304 W. Bell Ave., 575-528-2455
- Henry R. Benavidez Community Center, 1045 McClure Road, 575-541-2006
- Munson Center, 975 S. Mesquite St., 575-541-3000
- Sage Café, 6121 Reynolds Drive, 575-528-3151
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. Those working or spending time outdoors should take extra precautions. When possible, strenuous activities should be limited to early morning or evening hours.
What to watch for
Heat exhaustion symptoms may include:
- Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
- Weakness and moist skin
- Irritability or confusion
- Upset stomach
Heat stroke symptoms may include:
- Dry, hot skin without sweating
- Mental confusion or loss of consciousness
- Seizures or convulsions
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if someone is experiencing symptoms.
People at higher risk of heat-related illness include infants and young children, older adults, people with disabilities, people with chronic heart or lung conditions, people who are overweight, people who work outdoors or in hot environments, people taking certain medications and isolated people who may not recognize when they need to cool off or seek help.
The city recommends wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing whenever possible. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments to reduce the risk of heat-related illness during outdoor work.
Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded location as quickly as possible.
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