Waukesha Salvation Army offering cool place to stay in light of impending heat wave

Mel Melcon
A girl cools off her dog during a heat wave last month in California. Local forecasts call for very high temperatures late in the week and as a result the Salvation Army in Waukesha its opening its doors - and air-conditioned rooms - to anyone who wants to or could benefit from using them.
Published on: 7/20/2016

Dangerously high temperatures forecast for later this week have prompted the Waukesha Salvation Army to open its doors — and air-conditioned rooms — to area residents who do not have access to such spaces.

According to a news release, refrigerated bottled water will also be available inside the building, 445 Madison St., just north of downtown.

'Our Waukesha Corps will be open both days from 1 to 4 p.m.,' said Major Nelson De Le Vergne, 'and people are welcome to have a seat in designated air-conditioned spaces during the heat of the day.'

'We're honored by the long-standing support of Waukesha County and we're pleased to be able to give back to area people in need,' De Le Vergne added.

According to the National Weather Service in Sullivan, the heat index is expected to rise to between 100 degrees and 115 degrees on Thursday, July 21 and between 95 degrees and 100 degrees on Friday, July 22.

The Weather Service warned that such elevated heat indices are hard on the body and heat illnesses are likely. The elderly, small children and pets are particularly susceptible.

The service has issued an 'excessive heat warning' for noon Thursday to 7 p.m. Friday.

The weather service is urging residents to avoid outdoor activity during those times and make plans to have a cool place to shelter from the heat. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool location, the service said.