The City of Richmond provides cooling shelters on days when the heat index is anticipated to reach 95 degrees or higher.

Shelter locations:

• Marshall Plaza, 900 E. Marshall St. in Downtown, and

• Southside Community Service Center, 4100 Hull St. Road.

The shelters are open noon to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends.

In addition, to help prevent heat-related illnesses, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests: Spending time in locations with air conditioning; drinking plenty of water and diluted sports drinks, unless told otherwise by your doctor; wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing; and protecting yourself from the sun by wearing hats with brims and using sunscreen.