Temperatures will exceed 105 degrees, with heat index numbers expected above 110 degrees
KILLEEN, Texas (Aug. 20, 2024) – The City of Killeen wants to remind citizens about the available cooling centers, as our area enters an excessive heat warning today. The National Weather Service has forecasted what they call dangerous heat, with heat index temperatures ranging between 105-111 in the Killeen area.
The Friends in Crisis Shelter (412 East Sprott Street) is open as a cooling center any day the forecasted mid-day temperatures exceed 100 degrees, opening at 1p.m. and remaining open overnight. The shelter closes every morning after breakfast (about 7a.m.) to allow staff an opportunity to deep clean the facility. The facility offers an air-conditioned environment, water and a meal to anyone who needs it. The shelter can be contacted at (254) 245-8269.
As a reminder, City of Killeen buildings are always open to the public and available for cooling off during each facility’s normal business hours. Those buildings include City Hall, libraries, the Family Recreation Center, the North Precinct Police Department, Police Headquarters, etc.
Citizens who would like to donate water, can drop it off at any Killeen Fire Station, as well as the North Precinct Police Station in downtown (402 North 2nd Street) and let them know it is for the cooling centers. City Staff will work to distribute those donations.
For any non-water donations, please call the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management first to see what is needed at (254) 501-7706.
Hot, dry and breezy conditions will also create an elevated threat for grass fires in the area. Citizens are asked to avoid activities that can spark a fire (i.e., parking on tall grass, tossing cigarette butts, etc.)
Extreme heat can be deadly. Residents are advised to find air conditioning, avoid strenuous activities, watch for heat illness, wear light clothing, check on relatives/neighbors, drink plenty of fluids, watch out for heat cramps/exhaustion/stroke, wear hats, and never leave people or pets in a closed car.
Residents can also cover their windows with drapes/shades, weather strip doors/windows, use window reflectors to reflect heat back outside, use attic fans or ventilators to regulate the heat level and install window air conditioners. There are more tips on www.ready.gov.
All Texas residents can also check the Texas Department of Emergency Management webpage at https://tdem.texas.gov/warm for daily information on where a cooling or warming center is located anywhere in the state. It is updated daily.