LAFAYETTE, LA. (KLFY) — With temperatures continuing to rise across Acadiana, the Lafayette Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP) has activated several cooling centers to help residents stay safe during extreme heat conditions.

Chad Sonnier, Director of OHSEP, spoke about the importance of cooling centers for local communities and how they can provide resources during times of extreme heat.

“Extreme heat is not just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous, especially for seniors, children, and those without access to air conditioning,” Sonnier said. “We’re working with local partners to make sure our residents have safe places to cool off, access drinking water, and avoid serious health risks.”

Active Cooling Centers in Lafayette Parish:

• Girard Park Pavilion
  500 Girard Park Dr., Lafayette
  Cooling Center: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Tuesday-Friday)
  Fans and water available under the pavilion.
  Note: Pavilion remains open to the public at all times.
• Dupuis Recreation Center
  1212 E. Pont Des Mouton Rd., Lafayette
  Cooling Center: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Tuesday-Friday)
  Fans and water available at covered building entryway.
  Note: Pavilion remains open to the public at all times.
• Heymann Recreation Center Pavilion
  1500 S. Orange St., Lafayette
  Cooling Center: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Tuesday-Friday)
  Fans and water available under the pavilion.
  Note: Pavilion remains open to the public at all times.
• Lafayette Parish Public Libraries
  All library branches are open to the public throughout the day, serving as a location for heat relief.

To support heat response efforts, Lafayette Transit bus fares are suspended through Friday for anyone traveling to a designated cooling center. OHSEP will continue to monitor weather conditions and expand hours or locations as needed.

For more information and updates be sure to check out official Lafayette Consolidated Government social channels or visit their website.

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