Hazardous Heat Help

Temperatures across North Texas continue to climb to dangerous levels. The first Excessive Heat Warning of the summer was issued Sunday and lasts until Thursday.

Twelve heat-related deaths have been reported in Dallas County this year. Victims were between the ages of 40 and 90.

County officials are urging residents to check on the elderly during the heat wave. "This is a personal responsibility, that I'm challenging during this extreme heat conditions, that we need churches, civic groups and neighbors to check on their neighbors," said Zach Thompson with Dallas County Health and Human Services.

Dallas County health officials have donated and installed more than 400 window air-conditioning units for people in need, and the county's hotline receives about 300 calls a day asking for air-conditioners or assistance with electric bills.

"It's important to remember, in this heat especially, that fans are not protective against heat-related illness once the temperature exceeds 90 degrees and the humidity is over 35 percent," said DCHHS medical director Dr. Steven Harris.

People should only call 214-819-6001 if they are in dire need and their homes do not have working A/C units. Officials said they've been bombarded with calls from people wanting a second or third A/C unit, instead of hearing from people in crisis.

Water and electricity usage is soaring as a result, prompting the state's electricity grid manager to ask Texans to conserve energy during the hottest part of the day.

Nighttime temperatures aren't bringing much relief because of the miles of heat-absorbing concrete. Early Tuesday morning, it was 83 in Dallas. A daytime high of 109 was expected Thursday.

Cooling Centers Open Across North Texas

Dallas County is activating its "Beat the Heat Centers," offering cold water, snacks and most importantly air conditioning. The facilities are sponsored by Reliant Energy and are open through Sept. 30.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center
2922 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
214-670-8367
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
 
West Dallas Multipurpose Center
2828 Fish Trap Rd.
214-670-6340
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Salvation Army has also opened 15 cooling stations across the Metroplex to help people beat the heat. Each location offers a cool place to stay during the day and ice cold water to keep people hydrated.

These locations are open seven days a week:

Carr P. Collins Social Services Center
(Parkland Hospital Area)
5302 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75235
(214) 424-7000

Mabee Social Services Center
(Fort Worth)
1855 E. Lancaster Ave.
Fort Worth, TX 76103
(817) 344-1811

All of the following location are open from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday:

Dallas Temple
(Love Field Area)
6500 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75235
(214) 956-6025

Oak Cliff
1617 W. Jefferson
Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 941-5911 or 5914

Cedar Crest
(East Oak Cliff)
1007 Hutchins Road
Dallas, TX 75203
(214) 941-7404

Pleasant Grove 
8341 Elam Road 
Dallas, Texas 75217
214-398-6619

Denton 
1508 East McKinney St.
Denton, TX 76201
(940) 566-3800

Garland 
451 W. Ave D
Garland, TX 75040
(972) 272-4531

Irving 
250 East Grauwyler Road
Irving, TX 75061
(972) 438-6553

Lewisville 
207 Elm Street
Lewisville, TX 75067
(972) 353-9400

McKinney 
600 Wilson Creek Pkwy
McKinney, TX 75069
(972) 542-6694

Plano 
3528 E. 14th
Plano, TX 75074
(972) 423-8254

Arlington 
712 W. Abram 
Arlington, TX 76013
(817) 860-1836

Northside Corps
(N. Fort Worth)
3023 NW 24th St.
Fort Worth, TX 76106
(817) 624-3111 or 1637

Waxahachie 
620 Farley St.
Waxahachie, TX 75165
(972) 937-7727
 

NBC 5's Susy Solis contributed to this report.