City, County offer cooling stations

Heat stroke symptoms include dry, hot skin with no sweating; mental confusion or loss of consciousness; and seizures or convulsions. Heat stroke is an emergency and residents should call 911 if anyone is experiencing these symptoms.

Doña Ana County staff  open community centers to the public to provide relief from  temperatures. Call first to make sure they’re open.

The community centers are air-conditioned and offer seating areas open to residents of all ages, at no cost.  Water and restroom facilities will also be available.   

• Butterfield, 9350 Berry Patch Lane, Las Cruces (575-382-5237)
• Colquitt, 625 Paseo Real Drive, Chaparral (575-525-5870)
• La Mesa, 744 San Jose Road, La Mesa (575-233-1021)
• Organ, 5880 Second St., Organ (575-386-4351)
• Radium Springs, 12060 Lindbeck Road, Radium Springs (575-523.8650)
• Vado- Del Cerro, 180 La Fe Ave. Vado, (575-233-0946)

Las Cruces also has several buildings (Call first to make sure they’re open) that are available during normal business hours that can be utilized as cooling stations and used as a place to escape the heat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays:

• Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center, 304 W. Bell Ave. (575-528-2455).
• Henry R. Benavidez Community Center,1045 McClure Road (575-541-2006).
• Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley Ave. (575-541-2563).
• Munson Center, 975 S. Mesquite St. (575-541-3000). 
• Sage Café, 6121 Reynolds Drive (575-528-3151).
• Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave. (575-528-4000).

Hot weather safety tips:

• Those working outdoors are encouraged to drink plenty of water, or non-alcoholic and sugar-free fluids.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing that’s loose-fitting and allows for adequate ventilation.
• Limit or avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
• Protect your head and face with a wide-brimmed hat and use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.
• Do not leave pets or people (sleeping babies, children, elderly) in a vehicle – even with the windows ‘cracked’ or down.
• Do not think that an overcast day or parking in shade will keep the inside of your vehicle tolerable. It might be slightly cooler but not suitable for people or pets.
• Temperatures remain high and unbearable even after sundown, so refrain from leaving people or pets inside your vehicle.
• Avoid walking pets in the heat or early evening hours as hot pavement can blister their paws.
• Avoid overexertion of dogs such as walking or running with them.
• Do not travel with or leave dogs in the bed of a pickup.
• Provide proper shade and plenty of fresh water for pets and leave water in a shady area.
• Consider leaving pets indoors on hot days. If it’s too hot outdoors for you, it’s too hot for them.
• Avoid leaving your vehicle running and unattended simply to keep the air conditioning on - vehicles can be stolen in seconds.
• Always lock your car when unattended and teach children that vehicles are never to be used as play areas.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors to ensure they are not in any danger.
• Ensure that elderly family or neighbors have properly working air conditioning and circulation of air.
• Call 911 immediately if you see a person or pet left unattended in an enclosed vehicle.
• Seek immediate medical attention for people or pets suffering from a heat-related illness.