LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Kentuckiana is expected to remain in the grip of a heat wave for several days, so officials and health experts are urging people to exercise caution and take steps to stay safe.
Medical experts recommend minimizing your exposure to the sun whenever possible and stay hydrated. Choose plain water or sports drinks that contain electrolytes when possible. Wear light clothing and stay indoors with AC when possible.
Cooling Centers In Louisville
People who don’t have access to air conditioning have several options in Louisville:
Cooling centers: Eight Neighborhood Place locations throughout Louisville will be serving as cooling relief centers during their normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) for those needing to get out of the heat. To find the nearest location, call Metro311 or 574-5000 or visit louisvilleky.gov/NeighborhoodPlace/
Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation’s 14 community centers will be open as cooling centers during regular operating hours. Some community centers also partner with Dare to Care Food Bank for the Kids Café Program to offer free evening meals to children 18 and under.
The Louisville Metro Senior Nutrition Program operates 14 congregate sites for seniors 60 and older that provide a nutritious lunchtime meal and activities at air-conditioned facilities.
Louisville Metro RCS still has fans available for those who are 60 or older, or who have a documented disability.
Help for Homeless
White Flag: The Coalition for the Homeless coordinates the Operation White Flag program to ensure that individuals experiencing houselessness can find shelter during severe weather.
Operation White Flag goes into effect when the temperature or heat index is 95 degrees or higher. A white flag flies outside each participating shelter to show that Operation White Flag is in effect.
Persons needing shelter can stay at the participating Operation White Flag shelter while weather conditions persist.
Wayside Christian Mission (accepts cats and dogs)
St. Vincent de Paul (for men only)
Salvation Army Center (day shelter only)
Day Shelter space is available at the Salvation Army and Wayside Christian Mission, as well as shelters dedicated for men, women and youth.
When Operation White Flag is in effect, TARC waives fares for individuals who need transportation to one of the participating shelters. The passenger should alert the driver when boarding and can ride to the nearest shelter fare-free.
Pet Safety
Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS) asks residents to limit outdoor time for pets.
Residents are urged to call 911 if they see animals in distress that have been left in parked vehicles.
When animals are outdoors, people are asked to provide shade and plenty of water.
Pet owners can visit the shelter at 3528 Newburg Road Monday through Saturday between noon and 6 p.m. for pet food assistance, while supplies last.
LMAS also advises residents to leave their pets at home rather than taking them to stores and on other errands.
