(Polk County, IA ) -- In response to the extreme heat, Polk County activated the county's Extreme Temperature Plan, meaning dozens of cooling centers will be open around the Des Moines metro.
Activation of the plan includes:
• Activation of cooling centers
• Weather amnesty at area homeless shelters
• Free access to these locations on DART buses.
Find a list of cooling center locations HERE. The plan will stay in effect until further notice.
The American Red Cross says stay hydrated, wear lightweight, loose clothing, and stay in air conditioning or take cool showers or baths.
If you are in the heat for too long, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat-related fainting, cramps, and rashes can happen, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Photo: GRICHKA BEYSSON-LEANDRI / AFP / Getty Images