As temperatures remain extremely high through the weekend, Doña Ana County will open community centers to the public to provide relief from the expected high temperatures.
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.
| Community Center | Address | Phone | Saturday July 8 | Sunday July 9 |
| Butterfield | 9350 Berry Patch Lane Las Cruces | 575.382-5237 | Closed | 1p – 6p |
| Colquitt | 625 Paseo Real Drive Chaparral | 575.525.5870 | 1p – 6p | 1p – 6p |
| La Mesa | 744 San Jose Road La Mesa | 575.233-1021 | 1p – 6p | 1p – 6p |
| Organ | 5880 Second St. Organ | 575.386.4351 | 1p – 6p | Closed |
| Radium Springs | 12060 Lindbeck Road Radium Springs | 575.523.8650 | 1p – 6p | 1p– 6p |
| Vado/ Del Cerro | 180 La Fe Ave. Vado | 575.233.0946 | Closed | 1p – 6p |
They have provided some safety tips for extreme heat:
- Avoid the sun – stay indoors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the burning rays are strongest.
- Drink plenty of fluids – 2 to 4 glasses of water every hour during times of extreme heat.
- Replace salt and minerals – sweating removes salt and minerals from the body, so replenish these nutrients with low-sugar fruit juices or sports drinks during exercise or when working outside.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Pace yourself – reduce physical activity and avoid exercising outdoors during peak heat hours.
- Wear appropriate clothing – wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes while outdoors.
- Stay cool indoors during peak hours – set air conditioner between 75° to 80°. If air conditioning is not available, take a cool shower twice a day or visit a City or County cooling center.
- Monitor those at high risk – check on elderly neighbors, family members, and friends who do not have air conditioning. Infants and children up to 4 years old, people who overexert during work (e.g. construction workers), and people 65 years and older are at the highest risk of heat-related illnesses.
- Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor, SPF of at least 15 if you need to be in the sun.
- Keep pets indoors – heat also affects pets. If they will be outside, make sure they have plenty of water and a shaded area to help them keep cool.
