City to Open Temporary Cooling Centers

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The City of Corpus Christi will open six locations as temporary cooling centers in anticipation of extremely high temperatures during the early part of next week. 

High heat indexes indicate extreme heat as summertime temperatures that are much hotter and/or humid than average. The forecast for next week indicates several days of high temperatures with extreme high heat indexes.

The cooling centers will open on a temporary basis to provide relief from extreme heat. Residents are reminded opening these City facilities 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 distancing requirements, there will be limited space per site.

The City will open six locations as temporary cooling centers Monday, June 8^th through Wednesday, June 10th 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 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.