Salvation Army Opens its 24-Hour Emergency Cooling Center

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The Salvation Army says its 24-hour Emergency Cooling Center at 1707 W. Chestnut Expressway is open for anyone needing relief from the heat.

It's offering a safe place to cool off and get a cool drink of water while the Heat Advisory lingers.

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The cooling center will remain open past Sunday if the Heat Advisory is extended, of if there appears to be a need in the community.

So far this year, the center has been open ten days and served 27 people -- including seven women and one child.

Audrey Esther with the Salvation Army says they're also accepting donations of fans at its main location to hand out to the community's elderly and low-income residents.

"They're going out as soon as we're getting them in," she says.

The Salvation Army activates its EmergencyCoolingCenter when the National Weather Service issues a Heat Advisory, Excessive Heat Warning or when the need throughout the community appears to be significant.

For more information about The Salvation Army, the Emergency Cooling Center or donating fans to those in need, you're asked to call (417) 862-5509.