In response to Hurricane Beryl, Commissioner Lesley Briones will open three Harris County Precinct 4 community centers as places of refuge for any resident in need, according to a July 8 press release from the Harris County Precinct 4 office. Two of the three locations are in the greater Katy area:

· Radack Community Center, 18650 Clay Road, Houston

· Weekly Community Center, 8440 Greenhouse Road, Cypress

The centers were opened effective July 9; hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information call the Community Assistance Division at 832-927-4444 or visit cp4.harriscountytx.gov/Community-Centers.

Due to the continued extreme heat, the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) has activated its Heat Plan, the office said in a June 26 press release.

Residents can find cooling centers at various Harris County Public Library (HCPL) branches throughout the county. Locations in the greater Katy include: · Katherine Tyra Branch Library @ Bear Creek 16719 Clay Road, Houston 77084 (832) 927-5590. Email: bc@hcpl.net. · Katy Branch Library 5414 Franz Road, Katy 77493 (281) 391-3509. Email: kt@hcpl.net. · Maud Smith Marks Branch Librarym1815 Westgreen Boulevard, Katy 77450 (832) 927-7860. Email: mm@hcpl.net.

For a complete list of cooling center locations, hours, and information, go to storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/c2bd3a645a404df49732881307c18c1e. Days and hours of operation may vary daily by location.

HCOHSEM urges all residents to take simple steps to keep themselves safe throughout the rest of the summer season. Exposure to extreme heat can cause heat stroke, exhaustion, and even death. Heat-related illnesses are preventable.

· Stay in air conditioning as much as possible. Shopping malls, libraries, and other public indoor spaces are great places to go to beat the heat when needed.

· Wear light-colored, lightweight, and loose-fitting clothing.

· If you must be outdoors, STAY HYDRATED and avoid heavy labor and other physical activities. Take frequent breaks.

· NEVER leave children or pets unattended in vehicles. Temperatures rise quickly and can reach deadly levels in minutes.

Common symptoms of heat-related sickness include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and loss of consciousness. Seek medical care or call 911 immediately if you suspect someone is suffering from a heat-related illness. Additional information on heat-related illness and other summer safety tips available are available at www.ReadyHarris.org. Stay informed by signing up for Ready Harris Alerts at member.everbridge.net/index/892807736729064#/signup.