GRAND RAPIDS, MI – As high temperatures are expected to blanket West Michigan in the coming days, many residents will be looking for ways to cool down in the Grand Rapids area.

The Kent County Office of Emergency Services urges residents to utilize local cooling stations that are ready to serve people during the upcoming heat wave.

Temperatures are expected to reach the low 90s Thursday-Saturday in Grand Rapids, with heat indices near 100 degrees, according to predictions from the National Weather Service at Grand Rapids.

“We collectively waited much of the year in anticipation of warm weather, but this week may be a little too warm for comfort,” said Lt. Lou Hunt, Kent County Emergency Manager, in a released statement.

“It is important to be aware of the dangers heat can present to residents, and pets, so we can stay safe and remain as comfortable as possible.”

Hunt advised residents to be aware of the differences between heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Signs of heat exhaustion can include weakness, cold and clammy skin, darker than normal urine, significant sweating, cramps, dizziness, headaches and nausea, Hunt said. If you or a loved one notice any of these symptoms, it is best to get to a cooler environment, drink some cold water and rest.

Heat stroke, on the other hand, is a medical emergency with signs such as confusion, disorientation, the absence of sweating, high body temperatures and rapid heart rate, Hunt said.

To avoid heat emergencies, Hunt encouraged residents to utilize cooling centers available throughout Kent County. Most cooling centers will be open during the day when temperatures are the hottest, he said.

Area cooling centers will provide air conditioned environments with water available for residents to stay hydrated.

“Remember, this week is a good time to slow things down a little, stay out of the sun and make sure the people around you (and yourself) are coping during this heat event,” he said.

Hunt also encouraged residents to keep their pets safe during extreme heat. For pets that live outside, it may be best to bring the furry friends inside for cooler temperatures, he said.

Here are Kent County’s listed cooling stations:

Degage Ministries, 144 Division Ave. Monday-Saturday, 7-11:30 a.m. and 4:30-7:30 p.m.

God’s Kitchen, 303 Division Ave. Sunday, 2:30-4 p.m. and Monday-Saturday, 12:30-2 p.m.

Grand Rapids HQ, 320 State St. Open to ages 14-19 Monday-Thursday 3:30-5:30 p.m. Open to ages 20-24 Tuesday-Thursday from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Guiding Light Mission, 255 Division Ave. Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Heartside Ministry, 54 Division Ave. Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m.

Mel Trotter Ministries, 225 Commerce Ave. Day Center is open daily 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Westminster Presbyterian Church, 47 Jefferson Ave. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

For more information about area cooling stations, residents are encouraged to call 211 for assistance by a Heart of West Michigan United Way representative.