LIFTS offers rides to a cool place during heat wave

Linn County residents who need a ride to a cool place can get one from the county's LIFTS bus service.

County supervisors approved Emergency Management Director Mike Goldberg's emergency request this morning to allow any county resident without air conditioning and transportation to ride LIFTS to a public facility with air conditioning. The door-to-door bus service is usually limited to elderly and disabled riders.

County residents, including those in the metro area, can call the United Way's 211 information hot line to request a pick-up. They may also call (319)739-4211 from a cell phone.

“There are plenty of places” with air conditioning, Goldberg told supervisors at this morning's formal session. “The concern that struck me last night is, how do we get them there.”

For most county residents, the most convenient air-conditioned facility is likely to be the local public library, but Goldberg said LIFTS may also take them to Cedar Rapids' shopping malls.

LIFTS operates daily until 9 p.m. The National Weather Service's excessive heat warning is in effect until 9 p.m. Thursday. A warning means conditions are occurring that create life threatening conditions.