HEAT RELIEF: Polk County Overnight Shelter

Much if Iowa is part of a heat advisory Wednesday and that includes Polk County. The high temperature for Wednesday is expected to be 100 degrees but the heat index means it will feel even hotter and that kind of heat can be dangerous.

The Polk County Health Department is opening an overnight cooling center to help residents get relief from the heat. The shelter will open Wednesday night at 8:00 at 1548 Hull Avenue in Des Moines.

“Each of the last few nights has been warmer than the previous one. People are getting less and less of a break between these very hot days. The cumulative impact of heat increases people’s risk for health problems,” said Scott Slater with the Polk County Health Department.

Food and beverages will be available at the shelter as well as facilities for showers.

If you need transportation to the shelter call 211.

If you need a place to stay cool during the day in Polk County, check out the free places you can go here.