EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — With summer temperatures steadily rising across the Borderland, the City of El Paso and the Office of Emergency Management are taking proactive measures to help residents stay safe during extreme heat conditions by activating cooling centers throughout the city and promoting heat safety awareness.

In partnership with the Department of Public Health, El Paso Fire Department, Parks and Recreation, El Paso Public Libraries, and the Extreme Weather Task Force (EWTF), city officials are encouraging residents to stay informed, remain hydrated, and utilize available community resources designed to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Cooling Centers Open Across El Paso

To provide relief from soaring temperatures, the City has opened several cooling centers where residents can access air-conditioned indoor spaces during periods of extreme heat.

The following recreation centers are available as cooling centers Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are closed on Sundays:

Valle Bajo Recreation Center, 7380 Alameda Ave.Marty Robbins Recreation Center, 11600 Vista Del Sol Dr.Galatzan Recreation Center, 650 Wallenberg Dr.Nations Tobin Recreation Center, 8831 Railroad Dr.

Several El Paso Public Library branches are also serving as cooling centers with extended operating hours throughout the week.

The following Public Libraries will be available Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 1 to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday: 1 to 6 p.m. (Main Library only):

Armijo Library (620 E. 7th)Clardy Fox (5515 Robert Alva)Dorris Van Doren (551 Redd)Esperanza Moreno (12480 Pebble Hills)Irving Schwartz (1865 Dean Martin)Jose Cisneros/Cielo Vista (1300 Hawkins)Judge Marquez (610 N. Yarbrough)Main Library (501 N. Oregon)Memorial Park (3200 Copper)Richard Burges (9600 Dyer Ste. C)Sergio Troncoso (9321 Alameda)Westside (125 Belvidere)Cooling Centers in Las Cruces

Opening Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center (304 W. Bell Ave.) | 575 528-2455/TTY 711.Henry R. Benavidez Community Center (1045 McClure Rd.) | 575 – 541-2006/TTY 711.Munson Center (975 S. Mesquite St.) | 575-541-3000/TTY 711.Sage Café (6121 Reynolds Dr.) | 575-528-3151/TTY 711.

Opened 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: Thomas Branigan Memorial Library (200 E. Picacho Ave.) | 575-528-4000/TTY 711.

Opened 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday: Mesilla Valley Intermodal Transit Terminal (300 W. Lohman Ave.) | 575-541-2500/TTY 711.

Opened 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday: Meerscheidt Recreation Center (1600 E. Hadley Ave.) | 575-541-2563/TTY 711.

The City of Las Cruces encourages people to call the center before heading out to confirm hours of operation.

Residents seeking additional relief from the heat are encouraged to visit local malls and shopping centers during regular business hours, where air-conditioned environments offer a safe place to cool down and rehydrate.

Health officials warn that infants, young children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat.

Common symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke include:

Heavy sweatingNauseaMuscle crampsDizzinessFaintingConfusionPale or clammy skinRapid, weak pulse

City officials recommend several simple steps to stay safe during periods of extreme heat:

Drink plenty of non-sugary, non-alcoholic fluids.Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and wide-brimmed hats.Limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.Use sunscreen and take frequent breaks if working outdoors.Never leave children, older adults, or pets unattended in vehicles.

Officials also encourage residents to use the “Buddy System” by checking on neighbors, friends, relatives, and co-workers who may be at greater risk for heat-related illness.

Pet owners are reminded to protect their animals from extreme temperatures by ensuring access to fresh water and shade, avoiding walks on hot pavement, and keeping pets indoors during peak heat hours.

Veterinarians also recommend heartworm testing during the warmer months, when mosquito activity increases.

The Extreme Weather Task Force is currently accepting fan donations at all El Paso and Horizon Fire Stations. Residents who need a fan can call 2-1-1 to determine eligibility and receive assistance.

For after-hours help or overnight shelter referrals, residents can contact 3-1-1. In emergencies, residents should always call 9-1-1.

Additional heat safety information and resources are available at ElPasoReady.org/extreme-heat.

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