Some Joplin City Buildings to Be Used as Cooling Centers

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(TNS) – The city is opening some of its buildings as cooling centers for residents over the next few days with the arrival of triple-digit heat.

According to the National Weather Service station in Springfield, a heat advisory is in effect for the region from 1 p.m. Wednesday through 7 p.m. Friday.

Joplin could see temperatures hit 100 degrees Wednesday, 103 degrees Thursday and 100 degrees again Friday, according to the weather service forecast.

In a statement Tuesday, the city encouraged residents to check on family members, neighbors, friends and pets during the hot weather.

David Holden, emergency manager for Joplin and Jasper County, said some city buildings will be open as cooling centers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.

Building options include:

—City Hall, 602 S. Main St., first-floor lobby.

—Joplin Health Department, 321 E. Fourth St.

—Joplin Public Safety and Justice Center, 303 E. Third St.

—Joplin Athletic Center, 3301 W. First St.

The city is also asking anyone who needs to use the buildings to stay cool to remember these are workplaces and that workers should not be interrupted.

—Be courteous and quiet.

—Stay within the designated area main lobby/first floor of the city facility.

—Lying on the floor or sleeping is not permitted.

—Charging of phones or other equipment is not allowed.

—Adhere to the operating hours of the facility.

“The city wants to be a good neighbor, and we allow access to our public space during normal business hours,” Holden said in a statement. “We also encourage our area houses of worship, clubs, civic organizations, coalition partners, and businesses to follow suit and open their public areas as well.”