GOSHEN, Ind. – An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect through Thursday evening, and Goshen residents have several options to stay safe during the prolonged period of dangerous heat.
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for the Goshen area from 2 p.m. Monday through 8 p.m. Thursday. Afternoon temperatures will climb into the 90s, with heat index values reaching 105 degrees. Overnight lows in the mid-70s will provide little relief and increase the risk of heat-related illness.
Mayor Gina Leichty urged residents to look after those who may be most vulnerable during the prolonged heat.
“Please check on your friends, family, neighbors, the homeless, and the elderly during this time of extreme heat,” Leichty said. “If you know of anyone in need of assistance, don’t hesitate to call for help.”
The Goshen Fire Department urges residents to take extra precautions, especially older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions and anyone who works or exercises outdoors.
Residents needing assistance checking on someone may contact Mobile Integrated Health Coordinator Andrew Priem at 574-533-7878.
Anyone needing transportation to a cooling center may call the Goshen Police Department at 574-533-4151.
Call 911 immediately if someone is experiencing a medical emergency.
Extreme Heat Warning resources
Residents have several options to stay cool, including these cooling centers:
- First Light Mission, 801 W. Wilkerson St.
- Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
- Goshen Salvation Army, 1013 N. Main St.
- Open 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
- Closed Wednesday and Saturday.
- Open 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday.
- Goshen Public Library, 601 S. Main St.
- Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
- Open 1 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.
- Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.
- Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
- Note: The library is undergoing renovations. Temporary cooling units are operating on the main floor. They may provide limited relief during extreme heat because the permanent HVAC system remains offline.
Nearby cooling centers
Additional cooling centers are available nearby:
- The Gathering Place, 123 Buffalo St., Warsaw
- Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
- Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.
- Guidance Ministries, 216 N. Second St., Elkhart
- Open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
- Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
Splash pads provide another way to cool off
Goshen Parks Department splash pads are open during regular park hours at:
- Rieth Park, 1508 S. 15th St.
- Walnut Park, 224 E. Oakridge Ave.
- Pringle Park, 1912 W. Lincoln Ave.
Heat safety tips
The Goshen Fire Department recommends these steps to reduce the risk of heat-related illness:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Avoid excessive alcohol and sugary drinks.
- Stay in an air-conditioned building whenever possible.
- Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
- Schedule outdoor work or exercise during the early morning or evening.
- Take frequent breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned space.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.
- Check on older adults, neighbors and people without air conditioning.
- Never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle.
- Keep pets supplied with fresh water and shade. Avoid walking them on hot pavement.
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, including heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and cool, clammy skin.
- Call 911 immediately if someone has hot, red skin, becomes confused, loses consciousness, has a seizure or shows signs of heat stroke.
Fire safety and fireworks reminder
Extreme heat and dry conditions can increase the risk of fires. The Goshen Fire Department reminds residents to properly dispose of smoking materials, use grills safely and avoid parking vehicles on dry grass, where hot exhaust components can ignite vegetation.
With Independence Day approaching, residents should use fireworks responsibly and follow all state and local laws. At this time, no additional fireworks restrictions are in place. However, the Goshen Fire Department will continue to monitor weather conditions and notify the public if conditions warrant additional safety measures. Residents should keep a water source nearby, fully extinguish used fireworks and dispose of them safely.
Within Goshen city limits, consumer fireworks may be used only during the following times:
- June 29 through July 3: 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset.
- July 4: 10 a.m. until midnight.
- July 5 through July 9: 5 p.m. until two hours after sunset.