HANCOCK COUNTY — It’s going to be a scorcher.
The National Weather Service was predicting a high temperature of 100 degrees on Friday, July 28, with heat index values as high as 109. The forecasted high for Saturday is near 93 degrees.
There are currently no cooling stations set up in Hancock County, but there are ways to help beat the heat.
“We’ve got pretty good facilities that are open throughout the day, which is when cooling centers are typically open,” said Jim Peters, board chairman for Hancock County COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster).
Peters said those who need to cool off are typically welcome to visit local libraries as well as the Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen in Greenfield.
“We’ll be open just like we always are, and of course we’re happy to have people come in, whether it’s to cool off or grab a few items,” said Dave Gray, executive director of the Hancock County Public Library, which has branches in Greenfield and New Palestine.
He encourages those who stop in to cool down to puruse the library’s selection of books and magazines.
Greenfield Parks director Ellen Kuker said the Splash Pad and Kathy Dowling Aquatics Center on the east end of Riley Park are also ideal spots to cool down on a hot summer day. While the aquatics center charges admission, the Splash Pad is free and runs from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
“We love seeing families out there enjoying the splash pad. There’s often people out there when I get to work in the morning,” said Kuker, who encourages the public to stay hydrated when visiting the city’s parks, including the Pennsy Trail.
“There are water fountains with doggy water stations at two spots along the trail, so we certainly encourage everyone to stay hydrated and try to keep cool as best they can,” she said.
Pet experts remind dog owners to keep pets indoors or off paved trails if the temperatures climb too high.
“To find out if the ground is too hot for your dog to walk on, place your hand (or bare foot) comfortably on the pavement for ten seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws,” said Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the American Kennel Club.
Friday’s steamy forecast is indicative of record high temperatures being recorded around the world this summer.
Peters said Hancock County COAD will continue to monitor local forecasts to determine if and when cooling centers need to be opened.
“We’re not at that point that we have a lot of need yet, but we’re staying on top of it if we do,” said Peters, who had just met with the head of the local Homeland Security office and the head of security at Hancock Regional Hospital Thursday afternoon.
“If they see a number of people coming into the hospital to stay cool, then we’ll get some place open,” Peters said.
In the meantime, those in need of assistance can reach out to local nonprofits like the Healthy365 Connection Center, which connects those in need with local services.
“Whatever that individual is looking for, whether it’s emergency shelter or just something they need to keep them safe, we try our best to meet that need,” said support navigator Sarah House.
To reach Healthy365, visit BeHealthy365.org or call 317.468.4231.
If local cooling centers are to open anytime this summer, Peters said updates will be posted at HancockCOAD.org.
Less severe temperatures are expected soon, according to the National Weather Service, which predicts highs on Sunday and Monday near 85.
