Fort Bend County Opens Cooling Centers Amid Heat Advisory to Protect Residents
In the face of soaring temperatures and the issuance of a heat advisory by the National Weather Service, Fort Bend County's Homeland Security and Emergency Management Office is stepping in to help. This weekend, cooling centers across the county will be open to the public, offering residents an escape from the dangerous heat.
The heat advisory, which is in effect from noon today to 7 PM this evening, warns of heat index values reaching up to 110 degrees. With portions of south central and southeast Texas affected, it is important for those in the region to take the necessary precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.
To aid in this, several cooling centers are opening their doors. On Friday, June 28, cooling centers will include:
- Fort Bend County Libraries open during normal business hours.
- Mark A. Chapman YMCA, located at 1350 Main St, Katy, TX 77494, open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Monty Ballard YMCA, located at 22807 Westheimer Pkwy, Katy, TX 77494, open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Fort Bend Family YMCA, located at 4433 Cartwright Rd, Missouri City, TX 77459, open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
On Saturday, June 29, the following locations will be operational as cooling centers:
- Fort Bend County Libraries, open during normal business hours.
- Mark A. Chapman YMCA, open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Monty Ballard YMCA, open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Fort Bend Family YMCA, open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lastly, Sunday, June 30 will see the following centers open:
- Mark A. Chapman YMCA, open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Monty Ballard YMCA, open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Landmark Community Center, located at 100 Louisiana St, Missouri City, TX 77489, open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Citizens are urged to be cautious when outdoors, stay hydrated, and utilize the listed cooling centers as necessary. According to the CDC, heat-related illnesses are a serious matter, and knowing the symptoms can potentially save a life. If you or a loved one begins to show signs of a heat-related illness, it's crucial to know what steps to take. This includes calling 911 immediately, as heat stroke is an acute medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
To alleviate some symptoms and lower body temperature, applying cool, wet cloths to the body or taking a cool bath is recommended. If cramps occur, cease any physical activity until they subsist. Distinctive symptoms of heat illnesses can include red clusters of small blisters that look similar to pimples, typically located on the neck, chest, groin, or in elbow creases. Always remember to protect yourself and others from extreme heat.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
