Health Department Urges Caution During Extreme Heat Warning

Health Department Urges Caution During Extreme Heat Warning

Published on July 25, 2026

Cooling centers will offer extended hours today and Sunday

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for Lincoln and Lancaster County until 9 p.m. Sunday, July 26. Dangerously hot conditions are expected with heat index values up to 112 degrees. A heat advisory will be in effect from 9 p.m. Sunday, July 26 until 10 p.m. Monday, July 27.

"The best defense against heat-related illness is prevention and we're urging residents stay safe in extreme heat by taking precautions including staying cool and hydrated," said Kerry Kernen, Health Director. "Local cooling centers are also offering extended hours during the extreme heat warning."

Cooling centers - extended hours

Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help prevent heat-related illnesses.

During the extreme heat warning, the following cooling centers are offering extended hours today, July 25, and will be open until 8 p.m.

• F Street Community Center, 1225 F St., 402-441-7951
• Victory Park Senior Center, 600 S. 70th St., 402-441-7070

The following cooling centers are offering extended hours tomorrow, Sunday, July 26, and will be open until 8 p.m.

• Anderson Branch Library, 3635 Touzalin Ave., 402-441-8540
• Bennett Martin Library, 136 S. 14th St., 402-441-8500
• F Street Community Center, 1225 F St., 402-441-7951
• Victory Park Senior Center, 600 S. 70th St., 402-441-7070

Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach will also extend hours tomorrow, Sunday, July 26, until 9 p.m.

During regular business hours, all Lincoln City Libraries and Lincoln Parks and Recreation Centers are available as cooling centers. Victory Park Senior Center is also available.

Find more Local Cooling Centers and a searchable map at lincoln.ne.gov/Heat.

Fans

• Use a fan to cool off, only when indoor temperatures are less than 90 degrees. Aging Partners has a limited number of fans for distribution on a first-come-first-served basis to adults age 60 and over. No financial screening is needed. For more information, call 402-441-8815.

Know your risk

Anyone can suffer from heat-related illnesses but some people are at greater risk than others including:

• Infants, young children, pregnant people and older adults whose bodies are less able to adapt to heat
• People with disabilities or certain health conditions (like heart disease, asthma, diabetes, obesity, and mental health conditions)
• Outdoor workers and people who exercise outside
• People without air conditioning or water to drink
• Pets, service or support animals and livestock

Stay cool

• Try to limit your outdoor activity to the coolest parts of the day or evening.
• Wear loose, light-colored clothing and sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when outside.
• Rest frequently in shaded areas or air-conditioned spaces.
• Find air-conditioned places to cool off. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help prevent heat-related illnesses. During regular business hours, all Lincoln City Libraries, Lincoln Parks and Recreation centers are available as cooling centers. Victory Park Senior Center is also available. For more local cooling centers and a searchable map, go to lincoln.ne.gov/Heat.
• Heat relief items including water bottles, electrolyte packets, cooling towels and aloe vera gel packets are available in LLCHD's HealthToGo vending machines throughout Lincoln. Current inventory may vary by location. Residents can see what items are in stock at each location by checking the HealthToGo dashboard at lincoln.ne.gov/HealthToGo.
• Use a fan to cool off, only when indoor temperatures are less than 90 degrees. Aging Partners has a limited number of fans for distribution on a first-come-first-served basis to adults age 60 and over. No financial screening is needed. For more information, call 402-441-8815.

Stay hydrated

• Drink plenty of water and don't wait until you are thirsty to drink.
• Limit alcohol and drinks with caffeine.
• Monitor babies and children for fluid intake.

Check on others - people and pets

• Never leave children or pets in a parked car.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who may be a higher risk for heat-related illness or who live alone. Make sure they stay cool and hydrated.
• If you see someone struggling in the heat or you are experiencing heat-related distress:
  • For any emergency or life threatening, heat-related condition, call 911 immediately.
  • For non-emergency heat concerns, call the Lincoln Police Department at 402-441-6000.
  • For assistance with sheltering resources or support during hot weather, contact CenterPointe Street Outreach at 402-782-1199, available daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Pets can suffer from heat-related illness too. If your pet spends its days outside, make sure it has plenty of fresh water and shade. Keep paws away from hot pavement. Check on pets frequently or bring them indoors if possible. If you see a pet in a hot car or outside without shade or water for an extended period of time, call Animal Control at 402-441-7900.

Stay informed

• Know the signs of heat illness. If your body gets too hot, you can get sick.
  • Heat exhaustion can develop following exposure to high temperatures. Symptoms include heavy sweating, rapid heartbeat, cold, pale clammy skin, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and fatigue.
  • Heat stroke, the most serious heat-related illness, is a medical emergency characterized by a body temperature of above 103⁰ F or greater. Symptoms include hot, red skin, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, confusion, passing out.
  Anyone suffering from these conditions should be moved into the shade or air conditioning. If heatstroke or serious heat exhaustion is suspected, get emergency medical assistance.
• Check the NWS website at weather.gov or your local media for weather updates.

Local extreme heat resources

• Extreme Heat website - lincoln.ne.gov/Heat - with information and resources to prepare for and stay safe in extreme heat. The website can be translated into several languages by selecting the language of your choice in the upper right corner of the page
• Stay Safe in Extreme Heat Information Sheet in multiple languages
• List and map of Local Cooling Centers and tips for keeping cool at home
• Lincoln and Lancaster County Heat Response Plan
• National Weather Service - Omaha/Valley Office - weather.gov/oax

Additional information on extreme heat

• HeatRisk - cdc.gov/HeatRisk
• Extreme Heat and Your Health - cdc.gov/extremeheat
• Ready for Extreme Heat - Ready.gov/heat
• National Integrated Heat Health Information System - Heat.gov