Las Cruces to open cooling stations as triple-digit heat approaches
Las Cruces will open cooling stations June 9-11 as high and potentially triple-digit temperatures are forecast this week.
Seven city facilities will offer relief from Tuesday through Thursday, with residents encouraged to call ahead to verify hours.
Organ Mountain News report
LAS CRUCES - The City of Las Cruces will open cooling stations from Tuesday, June 9, through Thursday, June 11, as high and potentially triple-digit temperatures are forecast this week.
Cooling stations offer temporary shelter from the heat for older adults, high-risk residents and the public. The city encouraged residents to call cooling stations in advance to verify hours of operation.
The following cooling stations will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday:
- Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center, 304 W. Bell Ave., (575) 528-2455/TTY 711.
- Henry R. Benavidez Community Center, 1045 McClure Road, (575) 541-2006/TTY 711.
- Munson Center, 975 S. Mesquite St., (575) 541-3000/TTY 711.
- Sage Café, 6121 Reynolds Drive, (575) 528-3151/TTY 711.
Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave., also will serve as a cooling station. The library is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The Mesilla Valley Intermodal Transit Terminal, 300 W. Lohman Ave., will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. weekdays and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley Ave., is undergoing construction, but designated areas that remain open to the public will continue to serve as a cooling station. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
The city reminded residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun and check on relatives, neighbors and pets. People working or spending time outdoors should take extra precautions and limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours when possible.
What to watch for
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, weakness and moist skin, irritability or confusion and an upset stomach.
Symptoms of heat stroke include dry, hot skin without sweating, mental confusion or loss of consciousness and seizures or convulsions. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and anyone experiencing symptoms should call 911 immediately.
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.
Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded location as quickly as possible.
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