MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - During the hot summer months older residents are more vulnerable to the sun and heat than any other age group, and beating the heat can be a little more challenging than just turning on the air conditioner.

As the heat index rises, everyone is urged to stay indoors. Sparrow Hospital suggests that closing blinds, turning on fans and making sure unnecessary appliances that may radiate heat are unplugged to help combat the heat.

"So staying hydrated is the most important thing people can do, we often forget that energy drinks and caffeinated products; coffee don't count towards hydration, it's water you need to drink," John Dery, Emergency Physician at Sparrow Hospital, said.

In order to avoid any heat-related health risks, stay inside and turn your thermostat down to help you stay cool while on a budget.

For some, air conditioning is not an option. But thanks to over a dozen cooling centers in the area, residents can stop in and take a break from the grueling temps.

"Whether there's a power outage and they have lost their air conditioning at home, or whether they just don't have it at home, and we do get those high heat indexes, we want them to know that they're very welcome to come and spend time in the library and to use it as a place to cool down," Ann Chapman, Head Librarian at Haslett Library said.

Not only do these cooling stations relieve the heat, they also act as a public gathering place where people can connect with others.

Cherie Wisdom, Coordinator of the Meridian Senior Center, runs activities and informational classes out of the Chippewa Middle School in Okemos that has a specific wing dedicated to the Meridian Senior Center.

"You know if there's an orange or red alert for the temperatures, they can come in here during our business hours and take part in any of our activities if they wish, or just sit and watch TV; whatever they choose to do," Wisdom said.

The Foster Community Center, Meridian Senior Center and local businesses such as Meijer will act as cooling centers this summer for those who don't have air at home. Free rides to these centers are offered by the CATA and EATRAN.

If transportation assistance is needed to get to a cooling center, rides are available by dialing 2-1-1.