Cooling centers open in Franklin County

Cooling centers are being opened in Franklin County for the public as temperatures are rising.

However, not everyone has grown up with air conditioning so they have found a way to help overcome the heat.

Not only is heat an issue in Southern Illinois but also the rain. When it rains it makes the humidity rise and make it seem hotter than what the thermostat says.

“I can also say with the rain adding to the heat it also makes it more humid and doesn’t cool it down at all. It’s more humid if anything that can also lead to people having heat strokes and people not feeling well. Especially mail people like FedEx drivers and UPS.”

Mackenzie David says she not only worries about herself but also her pets. She tries to give them as much outdoor attention as she can but only when it’s safe outside to do so.

However, with the weather feeling as hot as it is now, she has no choice but to keep them cool and inside as much as possible.

“I like to take my dog on walks so during that time when it’s the coldest, when it’s cooling down from this heat right now, is when I try to go for a walk and then get my exercise in with my dog. Usually after that I try to just keep them inside in the cool air so I feel like they don’t get that much outside time and run around and be free rather than just being cooped up inside all day.”

Dennis Mitchell the Mayor of the City of Zeigler says he didn’t grow up with air conditioning so he is used to dealing with the heat.

“This is Southern Illinois, it’s expected, my grandmother was in her 90s and this was in the 90s and we had to force air conditioning on her because we thought she should have it and even then she didn’t want to turn it on because she didn’t want to pay the electric bill.”

Mitchell says they try to reach out to those without air conditioning to help.

They have air conditioning in the break room at City Hall and are also able to open up the break room at the First Christian Church as cooling stations.

“And if somebody needed a box fan we would be able to fund it. We will buy them the fan if they need one. We have enough people locally that would donate. If there is a need we will fulfill that need.”

Air conditioning is offered at Zeigler City Hall from 8am-4:30pm on weekdays as well as seating and refreshments.

You can also find more cooling stations in Franklin County at: Several cooling centers in Franklin County – KBSI Fox 23 Cape Girardeau News | Paducah News (kbsi23.com)