Cooling center opened in Hot Springs last Friday

The First Church of the Nazarene, 3804 Central Avenue just south of the MLK Expressway, is serving as a cooling center as part of the Hot Springs Fire Department’s cooling center program.

The Fire Department, Hot Springs Convention Center and area churches partnered to open cooling centers from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on days when the actual temperature is forecast to be 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher by The Weather Channel, according to Fire Marshal Nate Schanlaber.

Those needing a place to cool off can call the city’s Action Line, 321-6808, after 12 noon on the same day. The Action Line will contain a recording with further instructions, including the name and address of the cooling center for that day. Gospel Light Baptist Church, Hot Springs Baptist Church, First Church of the Nazarene, Hot Springs Convention Center and the Central Fire Station have volunteered their facilities on a rotating basis at no charge.