With dangerous levels of heat in the forecast, the Gadsden-Etowah EMA has announced that a number of cooling centers will open in the city.
Triple-digit heat indexes are expected starting Tuesday and continuing throughout the weekend, and this situation can be dangerous for people outside or those without air conditioning.
The following cooling centers will be open:
• Salvation Army, located at 1101 1st Ave., Gadsden, will be open from 1 to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Day guests are invited for supper at 5 p.m. The overnight shelter is operating at capacity at this time.
• Gadsden Public Library, all three locations. The main branch of the library, located at 254 S. College St., Gadsden, will be open Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Alabama City branch, located at 2700 W. Meighan Blvd., Gadsden, will be open Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The East Gadsden branch, located at 809 E. Broad St., Gadsden, will be open Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Freedom Center, located at 1601 W. Meighan Blvd., Gadsden, will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday and Friday.