The Liberty County Office of Emergency Management will open cooling centers beginning Wednesday, June 24, at noon and continuing through the end of the week as dangerously hot temperatures settle into the area.
According to LCOEM Director A.J. Johnson, the cooling centers will be open from noon to 8 p.m. daily at the following locations:
- First Baptist Church, 300 W. Hanson, Cleveland
- VFW Post 5621, 1520 Main St. in Liberty
- Dayton Police Department lobby on 2004 N. Cleveland Street (SH 321) in Dayton
Additionally Calvary Baptist Church, 816 N. Blair in Cleveland, will open on Thursday and Friday, June 25-26, between the same hours of noon to 8 p.m.
Johnson said he is working with the three locations to possibly extend operations through the weekend. As soon as that information is available, he will share updates.
The National Weather Service is forecasting heat index values between 105 and 108 degrees this week. While some rain is possible next Wednesday and Thursday, dangerous heat is expected to persist in the meantime.
Johnson encourages residents to check on elderly neighbors and family members, stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, and never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, even for a short time.
For updates on cooling center hours and locations, please follow the Liberty County Office of Emergency Management Facebook page.