The National Weather Service says dangerously hot conditions are expected in Northwest Indiana and across the Hoosier state, and extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses. Cooling center locations are available across the Region.
The National Weather Service says drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors, and stressed that young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Everyone is also advised to take “extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.”
With heat warnings issued across the state, the Salvation Army says it has activated its corps community centers across Indiana as cooling centers to offer shelter to those in need during the heat of the day. To find a location, visit SalvationArmyIndiana.org . A news release said most Salvation Army corps community centers are open to the public during normal operating hours.
In Crown Point, the city has announced that the Crown Point Car Cruise has been canceled for this Thursday, August 24, 2023, due to dangerously hot conditions. “We will see everyone next Thursday, Aug. 31,” the update said. Crown Point also said with extreme temperatures in the forecast this week, the community is reminded that First United Methodist Church has an emergency cooling center at their location on South Main Street.
In East Chicago, the city announces a cooling shelter is opening for residents this week through Thursday August 24, 2023, at Martin Luther King Jr. Center on Melville Avenue. Cooling shelter hours are from 11am to 7pm.
In Gary, the city’s Health Department said it wants to remind everyone about the dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Officials say pets, children, and the elderly are at greatest risk of deadly heat exposure going unnoticed and untreated. The City of Gary said they will be opening their cooling centers: Calumet Township Multipurpose Center on West 41st Avenue and Brothers Keeper on Broadway.
In Hammond, Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. has announced that due to the extreme heat expected this week the City of Hammond will utilize all park department buildings as cooling centers. Individuals may use these facilities during regular operating hours if necessary, to cool down from temperatures that are predicted to remain high through Thursday. McDermott is also calling on residents to check on on their neighbors, especially senior citizens who are most adversely affected by high heat.
In the city of LaPorte, the following locations are open to the public as cooling centers Wednesday, Aug. 23 and Thursday, Aug. 24: La Porte City Hall 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.;*La Porte Fire Station #3, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (*The fire station will be evacuated in the event of a fire call); La Porte Civic Auditorium 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; La Porte Park & Rec Office 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; La Porte County Public Library 9 a.m. to 8 p.m; LaPorte County Center Twp. Trustee’s Office 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wed./4 p.m. Thurs.
In Merrillville, the town announced that with excessive heat predicted this week, the Dean and Barbara White Community Center on Broadway will serve as a cooling center until 9pm every day thru Friday August 25, 2023.
In Valparaiso, city officials are sending out a reminder of cooling center locations in the city – the YMCA on Cumberland Drive, Banta Senior Center, and Porter County Public Library on Jefferson Street. Also, the Valparaiso Police Department offers a special program called CARE – Contact Assistance and Referral – for individuals who may need help during weather emergencies, checking on them during extreme conditions.
