Mansfield opens cooling centers

The City of Mansfield will host a cooling center at the Mansfield Activities Center for those who need a place to escape high temperatures during the forecasted heat advisory.

Starting Tuesday, July 21 through Wednesday, July 22, community members can seek reprieve from 100-plus degree temperatures at 106 S. Wisteria St. Regularly scheduled programming will continue to use the space as normal. Dates and times of operation of the cooling center are subject to change based on temperatures and demand.

While the center serves as the city’s official cooling center, the center along with other city facilities such as the Mansfield Public Library, and City Hall are open to the public during the following normal hours:

Mansfield Activities Center

• Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mansfield Public Library

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mansfield City Hall

Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mansfield Fire and Emergency Services also remind community members to be proactive for extreme summer temperatures.

Here are some tips to stay safe in extreme heat:

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink plenty of water to stay refreshed.
• Seek shade and stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day.
• Dress light and wear breathable fabrics to stay comfortable.
• Keep an eye on vulnerable individuals and offer them a helping hand.
• Don't forget sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful rays.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Extreme weakness

If not addressed, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is when the body can no longer control its temperature and can lead to death or disability.