Cape Girardeau offers 'cooling centers' to help beat the heat

With the National Weather Service predicting extreme heat for at least the next two days, cooling centers are being opened in the city.

Cape Girardeau residents who need relief from the extreme heat can visit the Osage Community Centre from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Residents can also visit The Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope St., from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Tuesday afternoon, the National Weather Service predicted heat index values higher than 100 and as high as 105 through Thursday afternoon.

In a written statement, Mark Hasheider, Cape Girardeau's assistant fire chief and emergency management coordinator, asked that neighbors check in on those who are homebound and elderly, "or anyone they know who stays at home. Anyone who has concerns about the health and safety of someone they know should call the Cape Girardeau Fire Department for assistance."

The fire department's non-emergency number for those who need help is 334-3211. For emergencies, dial 911.