Health officials encourage residents to stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned spaces when possible and recognize the warning signs of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, as high temperatures continue across the region.
(KNOXVILLE, Tenn.) SMOKIES.LIVE — Community organizations across Knoxville are offering cooling spaces, water and other essential services to help residents cope with extreme heat as temperatures climb.
Officials have released an Extreme Heat Resource Guide highlighting locations where people, particularly those experiencing homelessness or lacking reliable access to air conditioning, water or medical care, can find relief during dangerous heat.
The guide identifies several daytime cooling locations, including the Knox Area Rescue Ministries campus at 418 N. Broadway, which is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. A cooling shelter is activated when the heat index reaches 85 degrees or higher or during periods of severe weather.
The Volunteer Ministry Center, 511 N. Broadway, operates a resource center throughout the week and activates its White Flag heat response when the heat index reaches 89 degrees or higher.
The Fig Tree Connection Center at Cokesbury Church, 9919 Kingston Pike, provides showers, clothing and hygiene items during regular operating hours. The center may extend its hours from 2 to 4 p.m. when temperatures reach 90 degrees or higher, depending on staffing and weather conditions.
ReLAUNCH, located beneath the Interstate 40 overpass across from KARM on Broadway, is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and offers shade, drinking water and three meals each day.
Health officials encourage residents to stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned spaces when possible and recognize the warning signs of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, as high temperatures continue across the region.
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