GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - As the heat wave continues to envelope all of the Midwest, cities and counties in West Michigan are addressing ways to deal with the high temperatures and dry conditions.

Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell and representatives from the GRFD, American Red Cross, the Heart of West Michigan United Way and Consumers Energy talked about ways residents can beat the heat.

The Grand Rapids public pools will be closed, but splash pads, water playgrounds and wading pools will be open the 4th of July.

Consumers Energy officials said they should have enough power to get everyone through the heat wave, but suggest conservation techniques - such as washing your dishes or clothes later in the day.

There are no Red Cross cooling centers set up at this time, but they are able to do so if the need arises.

Mel Trotter Ministries , 225 Commerce Avenue SW, has a cooling area for the homeless. Men, women and children will be given water and checked for heat exhaustion between 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

If you have any problems, or issues, Grand Rapids officials suggest calling 211 for help.

In Kalamazoo, city officials have banned all recreational fire pits because of the high heat and dry conditions. This ban is in effect until further notice.

In Emmett Township, the Department of Public Safety issued an "Open Burning Ban" until further notice because of the high fire danger.

In Ionia, the Ionia County Community Health building will be open Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from noon to 8 p.m. for people to cool off. Movies and games will be available.

Stay with Storm Team 8 for the latest weather conditions.

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Tips from the Red Cross (pdf)

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(AP) Severe thunderstorms that hit Michigan knocked down trees and power lines in places, with damaging winds reported in the Upper Peninsula.

The National Weather Service in Marquette reports the storms late Monday and Tuesday morning brought hail to several parts of the Upper Peninsula. In Ironwood, trees and power lines were knocked down and Internet service was disrupted. Similar damage was reported in some other counties.

Thunderstorms also moved across the Lower Peninsula, bringing downed trees and power lines as well as hail.

The storms come as much of the state faces another day of hot temperatures. Air quality alerts were issued for parts of West Michigan along Lake Michigan. Heat watches or warnings were issued for southern Michigan and southeastern Michigan, where highs were expected in the 90s.