Designated cooling stations open in Emporia

EMPORIA (KSNT) - Many cities across northeast Kansas are under an excessive heat wearing until Thursday, Aug. 1.

Emporia is offering several designated cooling stations throughout the city where community members can come inside to cool off, drink water and avoid heat exhaustion.

The Emporia Police Department (EPD) is amongst the lists of buildings open to the public.

"When you're having these really high temperatures it can lead to heat exhaustion and they need a place to come in and cool off a little bit," Ray Mattas with EPD said. "So we've opened up the lobby of the police department to allow people to come in and get away from the heat for a little while." 

While all are welcome to come in and cool off, EPD wants to remind community members to not overstay their cooldown.

"It's not for you to camp out. It's for you to come in, get cooled off, and then have to go back out unfortunately," Mattas said.

The police department's lobby will be available 24 hours for the public to come in and cool off, but will go back to normal hours once out of the excessive heat warning.

Other designated cooling stations throughout Emporia include:

• Lyon County Sheriff's Office lobby
• Raise Your Paws lobby
• First Congregational Church
• Bloom House Youth Services - Must have teen present
• Emporia Public Library