BLOOMINGTON — With extreme heat and high humidity forecast across Southern Indiana this week, officials in Monroe County have designated multiple public cooling stations to provide residents with temporary relief from dangerous conditions.
County health and emergency management personnel warn that extremely high temperatures pose a severe threat to health and safety, making access to cooling vital for those without adequate home air conditioning. The temporary cooling facilities will be open Tuesday, Sept. 1, through Thursday, Sept. 3.
Officials clarify that these cooling stations are designed as daytime drop-in locations to allow community members to cool down before continuing on their way. Food, showers, and sleeping accommodations will not be provided. Individuals needing overnight lodging are encouraged to seek assistance at local community shelters.
Visitors are asked to abide by facility rules and refrain from entering restricted operational areas. Most facilities cannot accommodate animals; however, pets are permitted at Monroe Fire Protection District Stations 21 and 29, provided they remain secured inside a proper kennel or carrier.
Cooling Station Locations and Operating Hours
Fire Stations (Open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sept. 1–3):
- Bloomington Fire Station 1: 300 E. 4th Street, Bloomington
- Ellettsville Fire Department Headquarters: 5080 West State Road 46, Ellettsville
- Monroe Fire Protection District Station 21 (Clear Creek): 9094 South Strain Ridge Road, Bloomington (Pet-friendly)
- Monroe Fire Protection District Station 22 (Perry): 3953 South Kennedy Drive, Bloomington
- Monroe Fire Protection District Station 23 (Indian Creek): 8019 South Rockport Road, Bloomington
- Monroe Fire Protection District Station 25 (Bloomington): 5081 North Old State Road 37, Bloomington
- Monroe Fire Protection District Station 29 (Van Buren): 2130 South Kirby Road, Bloomington (Pet-friendly)
- Monroe Fire Protection District (Benton): 7606 E. State Road 45
Monroe County Public Library Branches (Open 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday–Thursday):
- Downtown Branch Library: 303 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington
- Southwest Branch Library: 890 W. Gordon Pike, Bloomington
- Ellettsville Branch Library: 600 W. Temperance Street, Ellettsville
Residents are urged to check on elderly neighbors, stay hydrated, and limit outdoor exertion during the peak afternoon heat
