Louisville Declares Operation White Flag Amid Intense Heat Wave

As temperatures soar and the heat index soars beyond 95 degrees, Louisville Metro Emergency Services has activated Operation White Flag to provide relief and shelter to those most susceptible during this severe heat wave.

Operation White Flag is a severe weather emergency protocol that enters into operation when the heat index surpasses 95 degrees or when wind chill dips below 35 degrees, as well as during ozone alerts. During such times, select shelters across Louisville fly a white flag outside their doors to signal they are open for emergency sheltering.

Two primary shelters participating in Operation White Flag during the current heat wave are:

• Wayside Christian Mission (432 East Jefferson St., 502-742-7019) — serving men, women, and families; accepts walk-ins and even pets (cats and dogs).
• Salvation Army Center of Hope (911 South Brook St., 502-671-4904) — open as a day shelter during White Flag.

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When the white flag is flying, anyone can remain inside the shelter as long as the flag remains visible. This effort helps protect residents experiencing homelessness or heat-related hardship from severe weather conditions.

Additional shelters also participate in White Flag or provide emergency day and night services to various populations:

• St. Vincent de Paul (men only), 1034 South Jackson St., 502-584-2480 ext. 241
• YMCA Shelter House (youth 12–17), 2400 Crittenden Dr., 502-635-5233
• Center for Women and Families (domestic violence and sexual assault survivors), 927 S. 2nd St., 502-581-7200

To identify available shelter beds or reserve space, residents are advised to phone the Coordinated Shelter Access (CSA) line at (502) 637-2337, available Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If the CSA line is closed, individuals can contact shelters directly.

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This article appears in Jun 20 – Jul 3, 2025.