Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon reports in response to the area being under an Excessive Heat Warning Wednesday through Friday, several facilities will be open in the County to serve as cooling stations for Cass County residents needing to find relief from high heat and humidity. The locations include:

• The Nishna Valley YMCA, 1100 Maple Street, Atlantic, open from 4:30am to 8:30pm this Wednesday and Thursday and 4:30am to 6:00pm on Friday.
• Atlantic Public Library, 507 Poplar Street, open 9:00am to 6:00pm Wednesday thru Friday.
• Griswold City Library is open 10:00am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 6:00pm Wed. and Thurs., 10:00am to 4:00pm Fri.
• Anita Public Library is open 10:00am – 6:30pm Wed. and 2:00pm – 6:30pm Thurs. and Fri.

Kennon says the National Weather Service predicts very hot and humid conditions will build into the region by Wednesday and last through the end of the week. Heat index values of 100 to 115 degrees are likely Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons. The hottest period will be Thursday and Friday.

Residents are advised to keep cool and stay hydrated during the prolonged period of excessive heat. The hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the heat of the day, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors. Do Not leave pet and/or children in unattended vehicles.
Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency…call 9-1-1.