Tips for staying safe in the heat

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Due to warnings of heat index values and heat advisories from the The National Weather Service, the Division of Homeland Security is encouraging people to take precaution and offering tips on staying safe.

They encourage people to stay properly hydrated, limit extraneous activity or exercise, stay inside air conditioning as much as possible, and utilize your local resources such as libraries, shopping centers, and community centers.

A release from The Division of Homeland Security stated that they will be constantly monitoring the situation with their partners at the Marion County Health Department and various other service agencies.

If temperatures and the heat index do climb to potentially hazardous levels, and it is determined that the need exists for additional community resources, the city will activate the emergency "extreme heat plan," which would extend hours of operation for parks facilities and community centers, set-up temporary shelters and cooling centers, initiate additional community outreach and provide other assistance to local residents, the release stated.

The DHS is also working with the Indianapolis Animal Care & Control, who urges residents to think about their pets in the heat. Limit their activity levels, provide access to clean, fresh water and, if possible, bring animals indoors. If they must remain outside, ensure they have access to shade. The release state, should you leave your home, bring your animals inside with air conditioning or a fan to cool them off.

Below is a list of community centers, spray parks and other facilities available throughout the city that offer options for residents to stay cool and avoid the heat.

COMMUNITY CENTERS

• Concord Center - 1310 S. Meridian
• Flanner House - 2424 Dr. MLK Blvd.
• Forest Manor - 5603 E 38th St
• George T. Goodwin Center - 3935 Mooresville Rd, 46221
• John Boner - 2236 E. 10th St
• Martin Luther King - 40 W. 40th
• Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center - 1920 W. Morris St, 46221
• Southeast MSC - 901 Shelby St

SPRAY GROUNDS

• Andrew Ramsey Park - 310 W 12th St
• Arsenal Park - 1400 E 46th St
• Broadway Park & 61st - 6051 N. Broadway St
• Bowman Park - 3600 Auburn Rd
• Centennial & Groff Park - 2300 N Centennial Ave
• Christian Park - 1200 English Ave
• Haughville Park - 500 Belleview Place
• Municipal Gardens - 1831 Lafayette Rd
• Windsor Village Park - 2501 N Kenyon St

Additional sites include libraries and shopping malls open to the public.