Farmington Opens Cooling Centers as Dangerous Heat Continues Across the Region

Farmington, Mo. (KFMO) - The City of Farmington is reminding residents that several city facilities are available as cooling centers as dangerously high temperatures and humidity continue to grip the Parkland.

The National Weather Service is forecasting heat index values between 100 - 110 degrees over the next several days, creating conditions that can quickly lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

To help residents stay safe, the city has designated the following cooling centers during their regular operating hours:

Farmington City Hall, 110 West Columbia Street
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Development Services / City Light & Water, 101 South Jefferson Street
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Farmington Civic Center, 2 Black Knight Drive
Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Farmington Public Library, 101 North A Street
Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Farmington Police Department, located at 310 Ste. Genevieve Avenue, and the Farmington Fire Department, at 222 East Columbia Street, are also available as cooling centers 24 hours a day.

Emergency Management Director Josh McAtee urges residents to take the extreme heat seriously by limiting outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day whenever possible. If outdoor work is necessary, officials recommend scheduling it during the early morning or evening hours, drinking plenty of water, wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, and taking frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

City officials also remind residents to never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, even for a short time, and to check on elderly neighbors, individuals with chronic medical conditions, and others who may be especially vulnerable to the heat.

Anyone showing signs of heat stroke should be treated as a medical emergency, and 911 should be called immediately.

For additional information, contact the Farmington Office of Emergency Management at 573-756-2324.