LITTLE ROCK – Because of the excessive heat, the City of Little Rock has opened its cooling centers at local community centers starting today. With extremely hot temperatures in the forecast over the next few days, the cooling centers will be open to the public at least through Saturday.

The following locations are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday and until 5 p.m. on Saturday:

• Dunbar Community Center, 1001 W. 16th St. 
• Southwest Community Center, 6401 Baseline Road
• Stephens Community Center, 3720 W. 18th St.
• West Central Community Center, 8616 Colonel Glenn Road

The City of Little Rock cooling centers are open to any residents who need a safe, comfortable space for a break from the heat.

City officials will monitor weather forecasts to determine whether to open cooling centers on extremely hot days throughout the summer. In the meantime, residents are encouraged during periods of extreme heat to: check on neighbors (especially those over 65, children under 4 or anyone with a disability or medical condition), never leave children or pets alone in parked vehicles; schedule outdoor activities to avoid periods of peak temperatures; limit time spent outside; make sure pets have an adequate supply of water; and stay hydrated, avoiding liquids with high amounts of sugar.