Wake County Re-Opens Cooling Stations Due To Extreme Heat
Despite a few days of cloudy weather, temperatures in Wake County are expected to reach dangerous highs over the coming days. Wake County will open temporary cooling stations through at least Monday, July 21, to help residents stay safe and cool.
“Temperatures this high can be dangerous for anyone,” said Darshan Patel, operations manager for Wake County Emergency Management. “It’s important to find ways to keep cool during the hottest parts of the day, either by visiting a cooling station or taking a break in another air-conditioned space.”
The schedule for the cooling stations is below:
Wake County Public Libraries
Wednesday, July 16 – Monday, July 21
Closing times for libraries vary, so visitors should check online or call their local library for site-specific information.
Regional Centers and Health and Human Services Centers
Wednesday, July 16 – Friday, July 18
Monday, July 21
8:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.
· Wake County Health & Human Services, 220 Swinburne St., Raleigh
· Wake County Health & Human Services Center at Departure, 5809 Departure Drive, Raleigh
· Eastern Regional Center, 1002 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon
· Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave., Wake Forest
· Southern Regional Center, 130 N. Judd Parkway NE, Fuquay-Varina
· Western Regional Center, 111 James Jackson Ave., Cary
Sites that are not normally open to the public, such as EMS stations, fire stations and county fleet maintenance buildings, will not be available as cooling stations.
Staying Safe in Extreme Heat
Adults older than 65, children younger than 4, people with existing medical conditions and those without access to air conditioning are at the greatest risk on days with high temperatures. Drinking plenty of water and staying out of the sun are critical precautions. People should also check on their neighbors who may be at high risk and ensure they have access to heat relief and hydration.
To stay safe and cool during extreme heat, residents are encouraged to:
- Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
- Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
- Familiarize themselves with the medical conditions that can result from over-exposure to heat, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat and take frequent breaks.
- Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
Wake County Re-Opens Cooling Stations Due To Extreme Heat was originally published on foxync.com