LAFAYETTE, La. (NEWS 15) — Lafayette Consolidated Government opened cooling centers across the parish as the heat index in Acadiana was forecast to reach 117 degrees on Wednesday, prompting residents to find ways to stay safe in the dangerous heat.
LCG activated cooling centers at some of its parks and recreation centers, including Girard Park, where residents could escape the sun under a pavilion, cool off with a fan, and drink bottled water. Oak Street Health on Moss Street also served as a cooling center, specifically for people ages 50 and older.
With temperatures climbing near triple digits, officials warned that staying cool could become a matter of life or death…