How to find local cooling centers

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – With a scorching hot week ahead, several local cooling centers are opening their doors to the public.

With temperatures in the 90s expected all week, the most important phone number for the community is 211. The resource helps to find the nearest cooling centers, such as Pathways in Terre Haute. Manager Charity Mouck says they offer air conditioning and much more.

“It’s really nice to be able to offer this, especially for those who don’t come here on a regular basis,” Mouck said. “They can come here and get a shower so they can be clean, we have a clothing closet if they need to get clean clothes, we will offer limited laundry, plenty of water, we’ll have a light lunch, and it’s just a safe place where everybody is welcome to relax to stay out of the dangerous weather.”

The cooling center has announced extended hours for at least one day this week, giving the public another resource to stay safe.

“There’s no cost or anything like that,” Mouck said. “We have everybody sign in when they come and agree to our rules while they’re here, but it’s open to anyone that just needs to take a break and be out of the inclement weather.”

With help from the United Way, Pathways is also helping the community add fans to their homes and stay safe away from the cooling center.

“They received a grant from Duke Energy and purchased box fans for us to give away to those in need in our community,” Mouck said. “Even if you don’t necessarily need to come to Pathways, if you have not yet received one of these fans from us, we’d be happy to have you stop by and pick one up for free.”

Indiana 211 also offers a website to find other local cooling centers in the area.

Pathways monitors the weather on a day-by-day basis, so any changes or extensions to their regular hours will be posted on their Facebook page.

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