KILLEEN, Texas (July70, 2022) – The City of Killeen’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is providing advice for residents to avoid the triple-digit temperatures in our area.
All community members are able to seek refuge from the heat by visiting public facilities, such as libraries, recreation centers, senior centers or City Hall. Other large shopping centers may also be accessed during business hours, such as the Killeen Mall or grocery stores. Please note that patrons must adhere to all rules outlined at each, individual facility in order to remain at those businesses.
Additionally, the City of Killeen has worked with community partners to provide options for those who are experiencing homelessness. The Friends in Crisis shelter (412 East Sprott Street) will now begin their intake process earlier in the day, beginning at 1p.m. This shelter will still close after serving breakfast, in order to perform a deep clean every day.
The Killeen Housing Authority Moss Rose Center is accepting donations of bottled water that they are able to provide to community members experiencing homelessness daily. Please call (254) 458-7443 to schedule a time to drop off donations at the Moss Rose Center, or alternatively, you can drop off bottled water at the Central Fire Station (201 South 28th Street) and City staff will take it to the Moss Rose Center.
Temperatures in the Killeen area have reached 100 or above this week and the “feels like” heat index temperature is forecast to hit 105-110 over the next, few days, with humidity factored into the temperatures.
Extreme heat can result in the highest annual number of deaths among all weather-related disasters. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, extreme heat is a long period (two to three days) of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees.
Residents are advised to find air conditioning, avoid strenuous activities, watch for heat illness, wear light clothing, check on relatives/neighbors, drink plenty of fluids, watch out for heat cramps/exhaustion/stroke, wear hats, and never leave people or pets in a closed car.
Residents can also cover their windows with drapes/shades, weather strip doors/windows, use window reflectors to reflect heat back outside, use attic fans or ventilators to regulate the heat level and install window air conditioners. There are more tips on www.ready.gov.