By Rich Larson
With dangerously high temperatures expected to grip Minnesota for most of the week, the City of Northfield is urging residents to take precautions and make use of several cooling locations available throughout the community.
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for much of the state, including Northfield. Officials warn that heat index values could reach 110 degrees, creating conditions that significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
To help residents stay safe, the city has designated several air-conditioned facilities as cooling centers. The Northfield Public Library, located at 210 Washington St., is open Monday through Thursday from 9am to 8pm and Friday and Saturday from 9am to 5pm. FiftyNorth, located in the Northfield Community Resource Center at 1651 Jefferson Parkway, is open weekdays from 7am to 6pm.
The Northfield Ice Arena at 1280 Bollenbacher Drive will also serve as a cooling site. The facility is open from 8am to 3pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and from 8am to 9pm on Tuesday. The arena is closed Friday through Sunday.
Additional cooling locations include the Northfield Transit Hub at 204 Third St. West and the Babcock Park Building at 700 Highway 3. Both facilities are open daily during park hours from 6am to 10pm.
City officials recommend residents drink plenty of water, seek air-conditioned spaces whenever possible and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. They also encourage checking on older adults, neighbors and others who may be especially vulnerable to extreme heat.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness should move to a cool environment and contact a healthcare provider. In a medical emergency, residents should call 9-1-1 immediately.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
