Edwardsville area cooling centers available to offer relief during excessive heat
June marks the official start of summer, and with that comes increased chances of excessively high temperatures. The City of Edwardsville is urging residents to prepare now for periods of prolonged or excessive heat and the associated risks.
The city is working in cooperation with several local facilities to provide relief when the heat index rises above 100° Fahrenheit.
The following facilities are available in the Edwardsville area to serve as cooling centers during their normal operating hours. Please note that holiday schedules could affect operating hours.
- Edwardsville Public Library: 112 Kansas St. – (618) 692-7556
- Availability: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays; website: www.edwardsvillelibrary.org
- Edwardsville Main Street Community Center: 1003 Main St. – (618) 656-0300
- Availability: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; website: mainstcc.org
- YMCA Meyer Center: 7348 Goshen Road – (618) 655-1460
- Availability: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays; website: edwardsvilleymca.com
- YMCA Niebur Center: 1200 Esic Drive – (618) 656-0436
- 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays; website: edwardsvilleymca.com
Additional sites and hours may be added as needed.
It is suggested to call in advance to confirm hours and availability for each location.
The United Way of Missouri/Southwest Illinois annually compiles a list of facilities throughout the St. Louis and Metro East region that can provide shelter during specified hours or conditions. That list can be found at https://www.211helps.org/cooling-sites/.
Details on shelters and other resources also are available through United Way’s 211 service by dialing 211, day or night.
To mitigate risks when the temperatures are excessively high, it’s important to heed heat warnings and take steps to remain cool. Ensure you have a means to follow weather alerts (smartphone, access to the internet, TV or radio, for instance).
Suggested steps to manage the heat include:
- Stay out of direct sunlight, and if possible, take shelter in an area that is well ventilated or air
- Wear loose and light-colored
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages or sweet
- Be especially mindful of older residents and those with health issues, along with children and
- Avoid high-energy activities, especially during the hottest hours of the If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in a sheltered or shady place, if possible.
- Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness, including exhaustion, cramps and
Anyone feeling the effects of prolonged heat exposure should seek medical attention by calling 911.
