High tempatures: Cooling places

The eight Salvation Army community centers across the metro area opened as cooling centers today, and Olathe officials designated that role to two libraries in that city. Independence opened two cooling centers.

The Salvation Army centers will be open at least from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., including the weekends, while the excessive heat warning is in effect. Cold drinks and light snacks will be provided to those seeking relief from the heat.

The Salvation Army centers:

611 E. 129th St., Grandview

14700 E. Truman Road, Independence

3013 E. 9th St., Kansas City

6618 E. Truman Road, Kansas City

5306 N. Oak Trafficway, Kansas City

500 W. 39th Street, Kansas City

6723 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kan.

420 E. Santa Fe, Olathe

Also in Olathe, the main Library at 201 E. Park St. and the Indian Creek branch at 12990 S. Black Bob Road will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., officials said.

People escaping the heat are encouraged to bring necessary personal items like medicines and ready-to-eat snacks, Olathe officials said.

Johnson County library officials also encouraged citizens to cool down by visiting one of the 13 library branches.

The Salvation Army also said it is sending out volunteers to distribute cold bottles of water to the homeless and people working outside.

In Independence, two community centers will be operating as cooling centers during the heat advisory. City officials are inviting area residents without access to air conditioning to visit any of the locations.

The Roger T. Sermon Community Center, 201 N. Dodgion St., will be open from 8 a.m. through 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The Fairmount Community Center, 217 S. Cedar Ave., will be open from 8 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Area residents can call 816-252-5094 to inquire about extended hours.

Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/07/14/2082857/cooling-centers-in-operation-as.html#ixzz0tgPsHYCH