Red Cross offers cooling shelter

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Heat accompanied by head index values above 100 degrees continues throughout the county, and the American Red Cross opened a cooling shelter at the Vernon County Senior Center, 301 N. Main St., Nevada, which was open on Wednesday until about 7 p.m.; local Red Cross representative Peggy Tedlock said the shelter will most likely be open today, given the forecast; but the organization is evaluating the need day by day.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to remain in the upper 90s, with a high today of 98 and a top temperature of 98 degrees on Friday as well. Saturday's high is also forecast to reach 97 degrees, with a heat index ranging from 100 to 110 degrees.

Community members may come by the designated cooling stations during normal office hours to "get a break" from the heat, and are encouraged to do so.

The Red Cross also urges drinking plenty of water, and staying out of the sun.

For information on ways to stay cool, how to recognize heat-related illness and what to do in case of heat-related illness, visit www.redcross.org.

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