A cooling center will be open for residents of Freeborn County who are feeling overwhelmed by the heat from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the American Red Cross Building.

Weather forecasters have predicted triple digit heat indexes this weekend. The dangers associated with continued exposure to excessive heat have prompted the opening of the cooling center for people who need a cool place to go for a few hours.

Red Cross volunteers will staff the center, serving water and snacks, and using the center will be free of charge.

Anyone going to the cooling center should keep a few things in mind. Important items from home like medications and toys and games for kids should be brought along. Don’t forget to check on neighbors before you go, and never leave children or pets in a vehicle in hot weather.

Senior citizens, parents with small children and residents with health conditions that the weather could make worse are encouraged to spend at least a few hours in the cooling center.

The organizations cooperating to open the center are: the Freeborn County American Red Cross, Freeborn County Public Health, the Freeborn County Department of Emergency Management and the Albert Lea Medical Center.

Transportation to the cooling center can be arranged by calling 402-0132. Anyone with questions about the center should call 373-4544.