LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Aug. 4, 2015) – The City of Little Rock continues to take measures to ensure that employees and residents alike are able to endure the summer heat as temperatures creep higher.

Cooling centers are open for citizens who need a cool place to seek relief from the heat, with locations open at three Community Centers. The Community Centers are staffed and have designated rooms for residents to use for cooling-off purposes.

Dunbar Community Center
1001 West 16th Street
(501) 376-1084
Monday - Thursday: 7:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

Southwest Community Center
6401 Baseline Road
(501) 918-3975
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

East Little Rock Community Center
2500 East 6th Street
(501) 374-2881
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

The Public Works Department is making a temporary change to the Solid Waste Services collection times, with crews now starting work at 6:30 a.m. The change will continue through at least mid-September. The adjustment will impact garbage, yard waste, recycling, and all other collection services. Solid Waste Services is asking that residents have materials out for collection by 6:30 a.m. on their normally scheduled pickup day.

The Little Rock Zoo, meanwhile, is adjusting schedules for some animal exhibits as well as providing water and heat safety tips to visitors. Zoo staff members monitor the weather forecast and keep an eye out for visitors who might be in distress on particularly hot days. Zoo animals are provided access to cooled indoor areas and Zoo staff also provide cool treats on exhibit for animals including water misters and ice treats. The Zoo will also offer $6 admission now through Labor Day on Wednesday and Fridays.
 
Parks and Recreation is making sure that employees take precautions to not get overheated, including plenty of water and breaks. All crews are trained to know the signs of heat-related medical conditions and how to avoid them. In addition, crews begin work at 6 a.m. A text system sends out an automated message to supervisors when the heat index reaches 105 degrees so that all employees can be assigned to indoor tasks.

Visitors to the City’s more than 60 parks and recreational areas are urged to stay hydrated and watch for warning signs of heat distress. The splash pads are popular cool-down choices for many.

The Little Rock Fire Department also is joining the effort to keep citizens cool in the summer months. The annual fan drive is in full force, with all fire stations accepting donations of box fans to distribute to those in need, especially the elderly and other residents who may not have air conditioning in their homes.