St. Louis, MO  (KTRS)  The St. Louis remains under a heat advisory.

That National Weather Service has issued the advisory in effect until 7 p.m. Wednesday. As a result, the United Way of Greater St. Louis has opened up cooling centers throughout the region during this extreme heat. These centers offer those without air conditioning a place where they can escape from the dangerous heat during daytime hours.

Those in need of a cool center may call the United Way at 2-1-1. A list of cooling centers is also available online at mo.gov.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services urge the public to check on the elderly and the disabled. Anyone suspects these individuals are suffering from the heat or need assistance, should call their local law enforcement agency or the state’s toll-free abuse and neglect hotline at 1-800-392-0210.

The Humane Society of Missouri is advising the public to take precautions for animals as well. Humane Society officials recommend keeping pets indoors. If you do keep pets outdoors, make sure to provide adequate shelter and plenty of fresh cool water.

Anyone who sees an animal in distress should call their local police department or the Humane Society’s Animal Cruelty Hotline at 314-647-4400.