LEXINGTON, Ky. — With the heat index forecasted to be between 97-99 degrees this week, the city of Lexington will implement Phase One of the Heat Plan, effective Wednesday morning, July 3, through Friday evening, July 5. 

As part of Phase One, the city said those experiencing homelessness can ride LexTran to cooling stations for free while outreach teams will distribute water throughout the community. Community centers including Dunbar, Kenwick, Castlewood and Tates Creek will serve as cooling stations and stay open through the early evening.

While some standard providers will be closed Thursday, July 4, due to the holiday, the city said the Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention has arranged for Lightouse Ministries at 190 Spruce St. to remain open as a cooling station.

The city added it plans to monitor the heat index, which combines temperature and humidity to determine how "hot" it feels outside, while expanding resources as necessary. The Division of Emergency Management said residents should take precautions while outdoors, especially during the late morning and afternoon hours. Young children, the elderly and those with medical conditions are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and should seek shelter when possible. 

More information can be found by visiting www.BeReadyLexington.com, Lexington Emergency Management's Facebook page and its Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts: @LexKYEM.