Southeastern Idaho Public Health and the City of Pocatello have opened cooling centers to combat the heat wave currently bringing 100-plus degree temps to the region.

The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings and heat advisories for most of Southeast Idaho warning the public that the heat wave is forecast to continue until at least Sunday. Temperatures this hot can be dangerous to senior citizens, children, people who work outdoors and pets.

SIPH’s cooling center is located at its main office at 1901 Alvin Ricken Drive in Pocatello. SIPH said in a news release that its cooling center is “free and open to the public during normal business hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. People are welcome to come in and get out of the heat. The cooling center will provide air conditioning, water, snacks, basic activities (coloring books, games, etc.), bathrooms, seating and the ability to charge cell phones.”

SIPH said its cooling center will remain open whenever temperatures are above 90 degrees this summer.

“Historically, this weather is not typical for Southeast Idaho,” SIPH Director Maggie Mann said. “We have a lot of housing without air conditioning, which is a concern for all people, and in particular, our most vulnerable populations. We are offering up our facility as a cooling center as a safe space to prevent the effects of extreme weather conditions.”

Pocatello Regional Transit via its E bus route will be available to shuttle anyone who lacks transportation capabilities to the SIPH cooling center. Pick up locations can be found via the PRT website at pocatellotransit.com.

The SIPH news release stated, “Patrons just need to inform the bus driver that they need to stop at SIPH. Return services need to be arranged on-demand via phone by calling (208) 234-ABUS. Seniors over the age of 60 can call direct (208) 232-0111 for door-to-door service with some limitations within Pocatello/Chubbuck. The cost is a $2 donation request.”

Pocatello City Hall will also be available as a cooling shelter on Saturday, July 13, and Sunday, July 14, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

SIPH said the heat wave definitely presents a public health threat.

“During excessively high temperatures, health risks associated with heat-related illness are significantly heightened, particularly for infants and children under age 5, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues,” SIPH said in its news release. “Residents are encouraged to check in on the well-being of any vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbors during times of extreme heat.”

People can also take refuge from the heat at SIPH’s other locations at 42 West 1st South in Preston,175 South 300 East in Malad, 55 East 1st South in Soda Springs, 431 Clay St. in Montpelier and 145 W. Idaho St. in Blackfoot.