LA CROSSE, Wisconsin (WXOW) - Heat is the number one weather related killer in the United States. And for people without air conditioning, hot weather can quickly turn from uncomfortable to dangerous. In these conditions, people can become dehydrated and are at risk of heat related illnesses, even death.
And with heat index values are forecasted to be between 95 and 105 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday, staying cool becomes a top priority. There are some simple steps you can take to keep cool. Make sure to drink extra water, minimize activity, wear light weight clothing, even take a cool bath or shower.
But if that still isn't enough, the Salvation Army has a cooling center at their 8th Street location. Julie Nelson, Public Relations Director at the La Crosse Salvation Army says anyone who is thirsty or needs a place to relax and cool down is welcome. "We don't have a set temperature point, but when it gets really hot out we'll open our gym and invite the general public to come in at get out of the heat. So you can be homeless. You can be an elderly person who has a home and you need a place to go. You can be anyone who just needs to get out of the heat and into a cooler place."
And if you need a cool place to unwind, Nelson says the cooling center is the place to be. "Come into the gym, read a book, read a magazine. We've got ice water, we've got fans, going, we have the air conditioning on. So you can sit, relax, get your body to cool down, and enjoy some peace."
The center is located on 223 North 8th St in La Crosse. It is air conditioned and has fans, cool water, and places to relax. On hot days, like tomorrow and Thursday, doors to the cooling center are usually open by 10am and close at dusk. If you're interested in helping out, the center is in need of both reusable and disposable drinking glasses and mugs.
There is also a cooling center located at the Hmong Cultural and Community Center at 1815 Ward Avenue in La Crosse.
