New Orleans opens overnight relief centers to escape extreme heat

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Due to the extreme heat, people across New Orleans are looking for ways to cool off, including those in need.

The City of New Orleans has opened relief centers, offering free water, snacks and air conditioning.

“Mostly rec centers, libraries, community centers and the likes,” GOHSEP Director Collin Arnold said.

Some of these centers, including the Rosenwald Recreation Center, will be open overnight, offering the same amenities plus cots to sleep on.

Guests are allowed to come in at any time of the night to take a break or an overnight rest if needed.

“As it’s getting hotter, and as we start seeing shelter numbers in the traditional shelters start to creep up, we do realize we as a city we have the capability of starting to set some overnight overflow shelters and that’s the purpose of this center,” Arnold said.

These centers will be open both Monday and Tuesday at varying times. The overnight centers will have beds ready for guests at 9 p.m. each of these days.

“I want to make it clear that if you have a place to go or you’re safe, go there. This is for folks particularly the vulnerable, those that are elderly, those with medical conditions, those that are unhoused,” Arnold said.

If you plan to stay overnight, packing light is essential. No pets are allowed.

“We run these on a nightly basis on these situations. This is not the same for like a hurricane where we’re encouraging you to bring changes of clothes and bags and things like that,” Arnold said.

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