Cool Zone Helping People Keep Cool

With the scorching temperatures, it is extremely dangerous especially for people without air conditioning.  News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports some are getting relief from the heat at the Muskogee Civic Center.

A cooling zone is set up at the civic center for anyone who wants to get out of the heat.  The goal is to keep people cool and save lives.

Cindy Baughn says it is unbearable in her home.  She doesn't have air conditioning and only has one box fan.  When it's hot outside, it is stifling inside.

"Ten to 11 o'clock in the morning is when it really starts getting hot.  And, it don't start cooling off until about two in the morning," said Cindy Baughn of Muskogee.

Baughn is one of the first to show up at Muskogee's Cool Zone.

People can get water and snacks donated by area businesses and, most importantly, they get into the A/C and out of the dangerous heat.

"It can kill you.  When you don't have air conditioning and temperatures get over a hundred degrees, in a house it can be 120 degrees.  It's very serious," said Muskogee Emergency Management Director Jimmy Moore.

Over the past couple of years since Muskogee has offered the Cool Zone on hot days, about 1,800 people have been helped.  Bobbie Anderson brought her family this year because the fans in the windows weren't cooling things off.

Right now, the Cool Zone in Muskogee will be open Monday and Tuesday from eight to eight.  But, if there are three consecutive 100 degree days in the forecast, it will remain open at the Muskogee Civic Center to help people in need.

"It's good for everybody in Muskogee.  Everybody in Muskogee can come in here," said Cindy Baughn of Muskogee.

For now, it's a good place to go to get some relief from heat while everyone hopes we get a break from the scorching temperatures soon.

The Muskogee Emergency Management Office also has a program where they loan out window air conditioning units.  Every single one they have is now being used to help people stay cool.