Cooling Centers Activated in Lafayette for Extreme Heat

LAFAYETTE OHSEP ACTIVATES COOLING CENTERS FOR EXTREME HEAT

Lafayette, LA – With heat indices continuing to rise across Acadiana, the Lafayette Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP) has activated a network of cooling centers to help residents stay safe during extreme heat conditions beginning Monday July 20, 2026 through Friday July 24, 2026. These efforts are part of a coordinated parish-wide response to mitigate heat-related illness and ensure vulnerable populations have access to cooling resources.

Active Cooling Center Locations:

Girard Park Pavilion
500 Girard Park Dr., Lafayette

• Cooling Center Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)
• Fans and water available under the pavilion.
• Note: Pavilion remains open to the public at all times; however, the fan and water will only be available when the Cooling Center is activated.

Dupuis Recreation Center
1212 E. Pont Des Mouton Rd., Lafayette

• Cooling Center Hours: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)
• Fans and water available at the covered building entryway.
• Note: Facility grounds remain open to the public.

Heymann Recreation Center Pavilion
1500 S. Orange St., Lafayette

• Cooling Center Hours: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday)
• Fans and water available under the pavilion.
• Note: Pavilion remains open to the public at all times; however, the fan and water will only be available when the Cooling Center is activated.

Lafayette Parish Public Libraries
All Lafayette Parish Public Library branches open during normal business hours are available to residents seeking relief from the heat.

Oak Street Health Primary Care
2001 Moss St., Suite #1200, Lafayette
Indoor cooling available to adults 55+ from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Monday–Friday). Water available.

St. Joseph Diner
613 Simcoe St., Lafayette
Facility interior open daily from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with water available.

Free Transportation to Cooling Centers:

To support heat response efforts, Lafayette Transit System (LTS) bus fares are suspended through Friday, July 24, for anyone traveling to a designated cooling center. OHSEP will continue to monitor weather conditions in coordination with the National Weather Service and will adjust cooling center hours or locations as conditions warrant.

Heat Safety Tips:

• Stay hydrated. Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours (typically 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
• Check on elderly neighbors, young children, and anyone without reliable air conditioning.
• Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked vehicle.

The Lafayette Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP) works year-round to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies affecting our community. Whether facing extreme heat, sever weather, flooding, or other hazards, OHSEP and the Office of the Mayor-President remain committed to coordinating resources, sharing timely information, and helping keep Lafayette Parish residents prepared. 

For updates on cooling center operations and other emergency preparedness information, follow Lafayette Consolidated Government’s official social media channels or visit lafayettela.gov.

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