WALLACE –– The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office is aware of the dangers posed by the current heat wave and is proactively taking steps to ensure the safety of the community.

Shoshone County Sheriff Mike Gunderson has made sure that if the heat gets to be too much for some residents that they have a place to go.

Gunderson has secured the Kellogg School District’s Administrative Annex (the old Kellogg Middle School) as a potential “cooling center” should the need for such a place arise.

“We are waiting to see if there is a need,” Gunderson told the News-Press. “Basically if we see an increase in (heat related) medical calls, if we see those kinds of spikes in calls then we’ll have something ready.”

Gunderson further elaborated on how protecting the elderly and those on fixed incomes is a top priority.

He discussed that many elderly people are already more sensitive to excessive heat and sun exposure, and that if they are on a fixed or limited income that they may not be able to afford to run an air conditioning unit throughout this entire heat wave.

The SCSO wants residents to remember that heat-related illnesses are preventable and that people need to be prepared to if they are planning on going outside

Staying hydrated and keeping a supply of water with you is important, wear hats that provide shading, light colored clothing, sunglasses, and simply avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and heat whenever you can.

Heat exhaustion can turn into heat stroke very quickly and then it becomes a life threatening issue.

The SCSO would also like people to know that the Pinehurst Library will be open with air conditioning and WiFi for anyone who needs it.

For any updates on the cooling center or anything pertaining to emergency services please watch the Shoshone News-Press and Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office Facebook pages.

If you see someone struggling with the heat, please check on them and if necessary – call 9-1-1.