The City of Goshen, in partnership with the Salvation Army, Maple City Chapel and Elkhart County Emergency Management, is working to provide resources for residents during this weekend’s extreme heat event.
The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Elkhart County beginning at 12:00 p.m. today that will remain in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday. They are considering this a “Long Duration Extreme Heat Event” with temperatures rising into the mid-90’s today and lasting through Sunday with heat indices of up to 110 degrees. Temperatures will only drop into the 70’s at night with continued high humidity. They have also issued an Air Quality Alert as the ozone levels are expected to be dangerously high.
Three cooling centers have been set up for the community. Anyone in need of an air-conditioned room during the day may go to any of the available locations to escape the heat:
• The Salvation Army, 1013 N. Main St., entering through the south entrance. The building will be open to the public Friday from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
• Maple City Chapel, 2015 Lincolnway East. The center will be open to the public from 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
• Schrock Pavilion, 411 W. Plymouth Ave. The building will be open to the public on Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
In addition, entrance into the City’s Shanklin Park Pool (411 W. Plymouth Ave.) will be free this evening through Sunday. Pool hours will be as follows and patrons must be in appropriate swim attire to be admitted into the facility. We encourage the community to utilize this resource as a means to stay cool throughout the weekend.
• Friday – 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday – 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday – 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Jeremy Stutsman thanks both the Salvation Army and Maple City Chapel for opening the doors to the public in this time of need as well as Elkhart County Emergency Management for their assistance in providing resources for the cooling centers.
“I strongly encourage anyone in need to take advantage of these community resources throughout the weekend,” he said. “I would also urge the community to look out for one another. Please check on your loved ones, neighbors and friends, especially the elderly, and take them to the shelter if they need it.”
The combination of extremely hot temperatures and high humidity will lead to an increased risk of heat related stress and illness. The public is advised to drink plenty of water, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors.