The city of Emporia has announced additional cooling centers that are opening their doors to those in need of shelter from the ongoing oppressive heat.
In addition to The Emporia Police Department and Lyon County Sheriff’s Office lobbies, a pair of local churches were added to the list Wednesday. First Congregational Church of Emporia, 326 W 12th Ave, will be open Thursday from 9 am to noon and Friday from 9 am to 12:30 pm.
The church will open its doors again next Thursday and Friday with the same hours. Additionally, the Twelfth Avenue Baptist Church west campus, 2023 West 12th Avenue, will have its doors open from 11 am to 5 pm both Thursday and Thursday, August 3. First Congregational is allowing pets so long as they can be controlled, however, pets will not be allowed at Twelfth Avenue.
The cooling centers come with temperatures set to remain above 100 degrees through the remainder of the week. Heat advisories are still in place across the entire listening area affecting Lyon, Coffey, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties until 9 pm Friday and Chase and Greenwood counties until 9 pm Thursday.
Bloom House Youth Services, 301 West 11th Avenue, is also serving as a cooling center for teens and their families, however, a teen must be present for families to access the shelter.
With the severe heat in place for the foreseeable future, residents are reminded to drink plenty of water, wear light loose fitting clothing and move any strenuous activities to the morning or evening hours if possible. Stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for more updates as they become available.
