FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): With dangerous heat and humidity expected to continue across the region, communities throughout Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio are reminding residents that cooling stations are available for anyone needing relief from the heat.

Health officials encourage everyone—especially older adults, young children, those with chronic health conditions, and people without air conditioning—to limit time outdoors, drink plenty of water, and take advantage of public cooling locations when temperatures and heat index values climb into the 90s and above.

Fort Wayne

The City of Fort Wayne has opened several cooling stations throughout the summer, including:

• Allen County Public Library – Main Branch
  • 900 Library Plaza
• Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
  • 1100 S. Calhoun Street
• The Rescue Mission
  • 404 E. Washington Boulevard
• The Salvation Army
  • 2901 N. Clinton Street
• InAsMuch Ministry
  • 930 Broadway
• Citilink Central Station
  • 121 W. Baker Street (riders may purchase a fare and ride an entire route to cool off)

Some locations operate daily, while others have temperature-dependent hours. Residents are encouraged to check operating hours before traveling.

Other Northeast Indiana Communities

Many surrounding communities also offer places to escape the heat, including:

• Public libraries in Huntington, Auburn, Decatur, Bluffton, Angola, Columbia City, Kendallville, Wabash, and Warsaw welcome visitors during normal business hours.
• Local community centers, senior centers, and YMCA facilities throughout Northeast Indiana often serve as informal cooling locations during periods of excessive heat.
• Residents should also check with their county Emergency Management Agency, local health department, or city government for any temporary cooling centers opened during prolonged heat events.

Northwest Ohio

Communities across Northwest Ohio, including Defiance, Bryan, Napoleon, Paulding, Van Wert, and Toledo, also make cooling options available through:

• Public libraries
• Senior centers
• Municipal buildings
• Community centers
• American Red Cross and Salvation Army facilities when activated during excessive heat

Residents are encouraged to contact their local health department, emergency management agency, or municipal government for the nearest available cooling location if additional sites are opened during the current heat wave.

Stay Safe During Extreme Heat

The National Weather Service recommends:

• Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
• Never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle.
• Check on elderly family members, neighbors, and anyone who may be vulnerable to heat-related illness.

If you or someone you know experiences confusion, loss of consciousness, or symptoms of heat stroke, call 911 immediately.

For the latest weather updates, heat advisories, and forecasts, stay with News/Talk WOWO and WOWO.com.