Colvin, Pritchard to serve as cooling stations

The News-Enterprise

Residents needing a break from the heat this week can retire to the comforts of Colvin Community Center in Radcliff or Pritchard Community Center in Elizabethtown.

Radcliff spokesman Bryce Shumate said Colvin is functioning as a cooling station from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Friday as temperatures are expected to reach 100 degrees or more. Officials also are coordinating plans to keep the station open Saturday under the same hours. Water is available, Shumate said.

Pritchard, meanwhile, is open as a cooling center from 1 to 7 p.m. today and Friday. No decision has been made about expanding the service to Saturday and Sunday, said Rusty Todd, chief fire inspector for the Elizabethtown Fire Department.

A television viewing room is set up in Pritchard and children can engage in basketball or other activities, Todd said. Visitors are encouraged to bring books, games or cards to entertain themselves. Pets are not allowed.

American Red Cross officials said Wednesday the organization is prepared to mobilize its cooling stations if needed but has not been directed to do so.