INDIANAPOLIS - The IMPD Homeland Security Bureau is encouraging people to take precautions against the heat by drinking more water than usual, avoiding alcohol and drinks with high amounts of sugar, limiting extraneous activity or exercise, staying inside air conditioning as much as possible, and utilizing local resources such as libraries, shopping centers, and community centers. If possible, stay with family or friends who have an air conditioned home.
The Homeland Security Bureau will monitor the situation with our partners at the Marion County Health Department and other service agencies. If temperatures and the heat index 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.” This 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.
Employers should take precautions to protect outdoor workers: Have a work site plan to prevent heat-related illnesses and make sure that medical services are available to respond to an emergency should one occur. We are encouraging employers to allow outdoor workers to take frequent breaks to cool off, as well as using a buddy system when working in extreme heat.
Indianapolis Animal Care & Control 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. 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
SALVATION ARMY CENTER – Open 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Central City – Salvation Army Day Center and Central City Corps
Fountain Square Corps – 1337 Shelby St.
Eagle Creek Community Center – 4400 N High School Rd.
Additional sites include libraries and shopping malls open to the public.
Here is a list of cooling centers and resources in Madison County:
Anderson Public Library – Monday -Thursday, 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m, Friday & Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. – 111 E. 12th Street, Anderson
Community Hospital - 1515 N. Madison Avenue, Anderson
Citizens wishing to seek shelter from the heat at Community Hospital Anderson should enter through the Emergency Department entrance and check in with security in the lobby. The security officer will escort people to the designated area. For questions, please call 765.298.4242.
For assistance with transportation, please contact the Madison County Consolidated Communications Center at (765) 642-0221 or dial 211 for the Indiana 211 Partnership.
East Side Church of God – 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. – 2600 E. 5th St., Anderson
Lapel Branch Library – Monday – Thursday, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m., 610 Main Street, Lapel
Salvation Army – (Beginning Monday, July 25) Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. - 3 a.m. - 1615 Meridian St., Anderson
St. Vincent Mercy Hospital – 1331 South A Street, Elwood
Due to the extreme hot temperatures and high humidity expected Friday and Saturday, St. Vincent Mercy Hospital is opening a cooling station at the hospital. It will be open 4 p.m. Friday, July 22, and remain available through Sunday evening, July 24. To access the cooling station, go to the hospital’s main entrance, where you will be directed to the Sr. Andrea Room.
Mounds Mall –Monday to Saturday – 8 a.m.-9 a.m., Sunday 10 a.m. -6 p.m. 2109 South Scatterfield Road, Anderson
