Resources For Staying Cool In Chatham County

Fan, Temperature, Thermostat — Source: Victoria McGraw @victoriasaidit / Radio 1 Digital

On May 19, 2025, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution proclaiming May 25-31 as Heat Awareness Week.

The proclamation recognizes the significant impact of the summer heat season on Chatham County and reaffirms the County’s commitment to protecting residents from heat-related health risks. In the resolution, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners also urged residents to take steps to stay safe during heat waves, such as reducing time outside, visiting cooling centers and staying hydrated.

“The greatest health risks occur in the first weeks of heat season — around late May to early June —since people’s bodies have not yet adjusted to warmer temperatures,” said Chatham County Public Health Department Environmental Health Director, Anne Lowry. “Heat related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke can affect anyone, but it is especially important protect our most vulnerable residents during these events, such as those who are 65 and older or without air conditioning. This proclamation is a great opportunity to raise awareness and help our community prepare for the summer heat.”

According to Lowry, extreme heat events in Chatham County are predicted to become more common over time.

Between 1983 and 2014, the county experienced temperatures above 95 degrees an average of 11 days per year. By the 2060s, that number is projected to rise to 46 days per year. Emergency room visits for heat-related illnesses are also increasing, rising nearly 30% statewide in just three years.

“Heat-related illness is a growing public health issue. The good news is that there are several things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.” said Chatham County Public Health Department Director Mike Zelek.

To help keep the community safe from extreme heat, Chatham County has partnered with local agencies and community partners to develop the Chatham County Heat Action Plan. Created to educate the community about how extreme heat can affect county residents, the plan also serves as a guide for county leadership to prepare for and respond to future heat events.

Several community resources are available this heat season to help Chatham County residents enjoy a cooler summer:

Department of Social Services
- Provides energy bill assistance for income-eligible households
- Distributes box fans to community members
- Contact: Donna Gigowski
  - 919-642-6926
Chatham County Aging Services
- Distributes box fans to those who are 60 years old or older or have a disability, with a home situation that poses a risk to their health
  - Pittsboro Center for Active Living; 365 Hwy 87 N, Pittsboro
    - 919-542-4512
  - Siler City Center for Active Living; 112 Village Lake Road, Siler City
    - 919-742-3975
Chatham County Public Libraries
- Serve as Cooling Centers during extreme heat events for community members to read a book, access public computers and free Wi-Fi
  - Chatham Community Library; 197 NC Hwy 87 N, Pittsboro
    - 919-545-8084
  - Goldston Public Library; 9235 Pittsboro-Goldston Road, Goldston
    - 919-898-4522
  - Wren Memorial Library; 500 North Second Avenue, Siler City
    - 919-742-2016
Chatham County Parks and Recreation
- Offers a misting machine for a quick cool-down
  - Southwest District Park 15124 Hwy 902, Bear Creek 27207
  - Pet friendly; all pets must always be on a leash 6-feet-long or less
- Contact: Caitlin Murphy
  - 919-545-8551
Chatham Transit
- Offers free rides to the closest cooling center (Library) on heat alert days.
  - Residents need to provide 48 hours’ notice to Chatham Transit before requesting a ride
  - 919-542-5136
Town of Pittsboro
- Features a splash pad for children to enjoy
  - Location: Knight Farm Community Park; 362 Vine Parkway, Pittsboro
- Contact: Maura Reed
  - 919-542-4621

For tips on how to keep cool during the summer, visit the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. See the Heat Action Plan for more information on county resources available during an extreme heat event.

NCDHHS will send Heat Health Alert notifications via email in English and Spanish if temperatures are expected to reach dangerous levels. Residents can sign up to receive these alerts.