MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Meridian Township Fire and Police caution residents to stay safe during high temperatures by utilizing designated cooling centers. A heat index reading from 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit is expected to be in effect on Saturday, June 30 for Ingham County according to The National Weather Service.

The Police Department wants residents and visitors to be advised that the Town Hall inside the Meridian Township Municipal Building at 5151 Marsh Road is a designated Cooling Center during the Celebrate Meridian event on Saturday, June 30 from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm and the Meridian Mall is designated Cooling Center during regular mall hours from 10:00 am – 9:00 pm on Saturday, June 30.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention provides these tips for staying cool:
• Wear loose fitting and lightweight clothing.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
• Limit outdoor activity and move to indoor locations with air conditioning.
• Cut down on exercising during the heat.
• Do not leave children and pets in cars.
• Avoid hot and heavy meals.
• Walk your dog on the grass if possible.

“We are working hard to provide additional shade, fans, misting stations, water stations, and air conditioned baby changing station/nursing area, and water sprinklers for the Celebrate event. We want everyone to be safe while enjoying the festival,” stated Director of Parks and Recreation LuAnn Maisner.

It is important to be familiar with the signs of heat-related illness and check friends and family for symptoms, especially children, the elderly, and others most susceptible.

Meridian Township Fire Inspector Tavis Millerov says "Anybody you think is overheated, or they're getting overheated, call 911. Have us come out and evaluate them. It may be something simple and they just need to take a break... in other situations, maybe it's worth a trip to the hospital. And in other, severe cases, it can be a life threatening emergency."