KILLEEN, Texas (KWTX) – The City of Killeen wants to remind citizens of available cooling centers as an extreme heat warning is in effect for the area today. The National Weather Service said it could be dangerous today as heat index temperatures in the Killeen area range from 105 to 111.
The Friends in Crisis Shelter at 412 East Sprott St. is open as a cooling center starting at 1 p.m. on any day when midday temperatures exceed 100 degrees, remains open overnight, and closes after breakfast around 7 a.m.
The property is air conditioned and offers water and a meal for anyone who needs it. The property can be reached at (254) 245-8269.
The city says City Hall, libraries, family recreation center, North District Police Headquarters, police headquarters and other city buildings are always open during normal business hours and available for cooling off.
Anyone wishing to donate water for the cooling centers can do so at any fire station in Killeen or at the Northern District Police Station at 402 North 2.and St.
If you do not need water donations, please first contact the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management at (254) 501-7706 to find out what is needed.
The city says conditions in the area create an increased risk for grass fires. Citizens are asked to avoid activities that can start a fire, such as parking in tall grass, discarding cigarette butts, etc.
The City of Killen advises that extreme heat can kill. Residents are advised to seek air conditioning, avoid strenuous activities, watch for heat illness, wear light clothing, check on relatives/neighbors, drink plenty of fluids, watch for heat cramps/exhaustion/strokes, wear hats, and never leave people or pets in a closed car.
The city also recommends covering windows with curtains/blinds, weather stripping doors/windows, using window reflectors to reflect heat outside, using attic fans or ventilators to regulate heat, and installing window air conditioners. For more tips, visit www.ready.gov.
All Texas residents can also visit the Texas Department of Emergency Management website at https://tdem.texas.gov/warm for daily information on the location of a cooling or warming center anywhere in the state. The page is updated daily.
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