With central Maine under an extreme heat warning Wednesday, cities and towns opened up cooling centers for residents to seek relief from the oppressive weather.

AUGUSTA

A daytime cooling center is open at the Augusta Civic Center on Civic Center Drive through Friday.

City officials announced the Cumberland Room, accessible through the Civic Center’s south entrance, will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Pets are welcome, if they are in a secure crate or carrier, and owners are responsible for them at all times.

GARDINER

The Gardiner Public Library on Water Street has been designated as a cooling and charging station on Wednesday and Thursday, due to the forecasted high heat indexes.

The library will be open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with cold water, cool rooms and charging stations.

Because of a speaker program, the library will be open until 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The library is closed Friday and Saturday.

SKOWHEGAN

The Skowhegan Recreation Center on Poulin Drive is open for anyone needing a cool, safe place to escape the heat.

The center is open until 8:30 p.m. Wednesday and from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, and everyone is welcome.

Officials also are offering advice to stay safe in the heat:

• Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
• Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.
• Check on elderly neighbors, friends and family members who may be vulnerable to heat-related illness.

The Maine Emergency Management Agency also maintains an updated list of cooling centers.