Metro Cooling Centers Provide Life Saving Refuge For Those Escaping The Heat

OG&E is helping Oklahomans stay cool as we near record breaking temperatures this week. 

The company has opened about 75 cooling centers across the state.  

One of the largest cooling centers is at the library in downtown Oklahoma City. 

"Being in this central area of downtown it's just harder to find places. You got to rely on people when they come out to give free water free food," said Matthew Yarborough, who was at the Norick Library. 

People experiencing homelessness have learned ways to battle the heat, but cooling stations are the safest and cheapest option for most. 

“Sometimes you ride the bus, which aren’t always free. Sometimes you can get on the trolley and ride it around. So, it’s like you just have to find those places,” said Yarborough. 

“It’s like dying of thirst. It’s like dry mouth, cotton mouth. It gets you tired. It’s exhausting walking back and forth [in this heat.] Very exhausting,” said Natasha Blue, who was taking advantage of the cooling center. 

Of the 75 cooling centers, most are libraries, YMCAs and Salvation Army buildings. All of them open their doors to protect our most vulnerable neighbors. 

“You don’t have to go many places and walk everywhere just for water. You can get up and go to the water fountain,” said Blue. 

The centers allow some financial flexibility for patrons as well. 

"Me and my girl we both have food stamps but that runs out really, really quickly when you talk about going to connivence stores which are higher priced than Walmart, buying Gatorades for the electrolytes to rehydrate, water and other stuff to eat and drink," explained Yarborough. 

Yarborough and his fiancé are unsheltered, unable to use their tent in this heat. Norick Library gives them a place to catch up on sleep. 

"But when you're sleeping on a blanket on the ground, the concrete and everything still absorbs the heat during the day. It's still hot at night so it's not like being in a house where you’re A/C you can cool off whenever you want," Yarborough said. 

Both the day and night shelters in Oklahoma City have expanded their hours to help people battle the heat. 

You can find a list of cooling centers by following this link.