LITTLE ROCK – The City of Little Rock will open a cooling center on Sunday at the East Little Rock Community Center for any residents in need of a place to cool off. Temperatures are expected to reach near 100 degrees with heat index values of 108, according to the National Weather Service.

The East Little Rock Community Center is located at 2500 East 6^th Street. The Cooling Center will be open to the public between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. A cool room and water will be available.

City officials will monitor weather forecasts to determine whether to open cooling centers on other days this summer during periods of extreme heat and humidity.

Throughout the summer when the temperature is extremely hot, residents are encouraged to check in on neighbors, especially vulnerable populations. Those include adults over 65, children under 4, and those with disabilities or existing medical conditions. People who exercise outdoors should pace themselves and schedule workouts to avoid the midday heat. Pets should have an adequate water supply and be monitored for signs of heat exhaustion or sickness. Children and pets should never be left alone in a parked vehicle.

Extreme heat events are a leading cause of extreme weather-related deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed. That means limiting time spent outside, not relying on a fan as a primary cooling device, drinking more water than usual, avoiding liquids that contain high amounts of sugar, and checking the local news for heat alerts.

Heat illness can happen to anyone, but it is preventable. The City has precautions in place for employees who work outdoors, including summer hours for several departments and an alert system for Parks & Recreation staff.