LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Extreme heat is expected for the rest of the week with the start of summer just days away, and several resources are available for affected Louisvillians.  

Mayor Craig Greenberg, D-Louisville, has activated the Operation White Flag program, giving homeless individuals a place to stay during the hot temperatures. It goes into effect when the heat index is 95 degrees or higher. White flags fly outside participating shelters while it’s in effect, which includes the following:

• Wayside Christian Mission (accepts cats and dogs)
• St. Vincent de Paul (for men only)
• Salvation Army Center (day shelter only)

The Salvation Army and Wayside Christian Mission are offering day shelter space, along with shelters dedicated for men, women and children. 

While Operation White Flag is in effect, the Transit Authority of River City is waiving fares for people needing a ride to a shelter as long as they alert the driver when boarding, the city added.

Eight Neighborhood Place locations will be open as cooling relief centers during their normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation’s 14 community centers will also serve as cooling centers during their operating hours, and some are partnering with Dare to Care Food Bank for the Kids Café Program, offering free evening meals for children 18 and under.

For those 60 and older, the Louisville Metro Senior Nutrition Program is operating 14 congregate, air-conditioned facilities providing a lunchtime meal and other activities. Louisville Metro’s Resilience and Community Services has fans available for residents aged 60 and older or with a documented disability.

With hot weather also comes the need to limit outside time for pets. Those who see animals in distress left in parked vehicles should call 911, and Louisville Metro Animal Services advises residents to leave their pets at home when possible, along with giving them plenty of water and shade while outdoors. 

Pet owners can also visit the shelter at 3528 Newburg Road Monday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. for pet food help while supplies last. 

Those craving some summer fun can take a dip at the Fairdale Pool and Sun Valley Pool, both of which are open from noon to 5 p.m. There are also the city’s 30-plus spraygrounds and spraypads, open daily from dawn to dusk.