CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Summer technically begins in fifteen days (June 20), but the heat is expected to really crank up next week. And in anticipation of those rising temperatures during the early part of next week, the City of Corpus Christi is helping those without air condition units find relief. The City will open six (6) locations as temporary cooling centers.
From Monday, June 8 through Wednesday, June 10, the six cooling centers will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Temporary Cooling Centers
Ethel Eyerly Senior Center 654 Graham 826-2330
Garden Senior Center 5325 Greely 826-2345
Broadmoor Senior Center 1651 Tarlton 826-3138
Oveal Williams Senior Center 1414 Martin Luther King 826-2305
La Retama Central Library 805 Comanche 826-7055
Ben F. McDonald Public Library 4044 Greenwood 826-2356
The following organizations are also providing cooling areas, please contact them for specific hours.
Good Samaritan Rescue Mission (210 S Alameda Street)
Salvation Army (521 Josephine Street)
Mother Teresa Shelter (513 Sam Rankin Avenue)
Metro Ministries (1919 Leopard Street)
Timon’s Ministries (10501 S Padre Island Dr, 78418)
The City says that the opening of these locations is an exception. Senior centers and libraries will not be open for regular activities such as games, exercise, classes, or socializing in groups.
City facilities will adhere to recommendations of the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) and the State to avoid the transmission of COVID-19, such as maintaining 6 feet physical distancing, using face masks, along with other best personal-protection practices.
Cooling centers are open to all residents that need a break from the extreme heat. Temperature checks and face coverings will be required to enter the facility. Due to social sdistancing requirements, there will be limited space per site.
The City would also like to remind everyone about precautions you can take to reduce your risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The Texas Department of State Health Services advises:
- Never leave anyone, including animals, in a closed, parked vehicle.
- Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid drinks with alcohol, caffeine, or a lot of sugar.
- Don't wait until you are thirsty, drink fluids at least 30 minutes before going outside.
- Plan strenuous outdoor activity for early mornings or evenings when it is cooler.
- Take frequent breaks when working outside.
- Signs and symptoms of heat illness include dizziness, heavy sweating, nausea, headaches, and muscle cramps. If signs and symptoms begin to emerge move to a cooler location, rest a few minutes and slowly drink a cool liquid. Immediately seek medical attention if conditions do not improve and tell someone to observe you
- Eat meals that are well balanced, cool, and light.
- Frequently check on the elderly, the ill, and others who may need help.
- Adjust to the environment. A sudden change in temperature – an early heat wave or travel to a hotter climate – will be stressful to the body. Limit physical activity until you become accustomed to the heat.
- Check with a doctor or pharmacist about the effects of sun and heat when taking prescription medications, especially diuretics or antihistamines.
Overall, the best defense against heat-related illness is prevention; stay cool, drink plenty of fluids, and monitor strenuous outdoor activities.
