Cooling Stations Extended Through Saturday, June 13

With the high and potentially triple-digit temperatures forecast in Las Cruces, the City of Las Cruces will extend the availability of cooling stations through Saturday, June 13, to offer relief for residents seeking to escape the heat.

A cooling station is a place that offers 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.

The following facility is a cooling station and is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

• Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave., (575) 528-4000/TTY 711.

The following facility is a cooling station and is open from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday:

• Mesilla Valley Intermodal Transit Terminal, 300 W. Lohman Ave., (575) 541-2500/TTY 711.

The following facility is currently undergoing construction; however, designated areas that remain open to the public will continue to operate as a cooling station and are open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday:

• Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley Ave., (575) 541-2563/TTY 711.

Residents are reminded to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, 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 the early morning or evening hours.

Residents should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 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. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should call 911 immediately.

People at a higher risk of heat-related illness include infants and young children, older adults, people with disabilities, individuals with chronic heart or lung conditions, people who are overweight, those who work outdoors or in hot environments, individuals taking certain medications, particularly medications used to treat mental health conditions, movement disorders, allergies, depression, and cardiovascular conditions, and isolated individuals who may not recognize when they need to cool off or seek help.

Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing whenever possible. To reduce the risk of heat-related illness during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded location as quickly as possible.