Heatwave warnings in effect: DMV cool centers open, rules applied amidst sweltering temperatures
Heat Wave Relief: Cooling Centers Open Across the DMV
As the DMV region grapples with extreme heat, temperatures feeling between 100 to 110 degrees, several cooling centers are opening to help residents beat the heat.
In Loudoun County, Virginia, certain county facilities serve as cooling centers during normal business hours. The Loudoun Homeless Services Center in Leesburg extends drop-in hours to 8:00 p.m. during heat events and provides cold water. The Loudoun County Animal Shelter is also open as a pet-friendly cooling space.
Residents in Fairfax County can find cooling centers near them on the county website or by using the map below. These centers include libraries, community and recreation centers, human services offices, and homeless shelters. The county also distributes supplies through outreach workers during heat plan activations.
In Portsmouth, the city has activated 10 official cooling stations including Portsmouth Public Library and City Hall. These centers are open during regular business hours for residents to escape the heat and hydrate. Special attention is encouraged for vulnerable populations such as children, elderly, and those with chronic health conditions.
In Lynchburg, The Salvation Army operates a cooling station from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday to Sunday at 2215 Park Avenue. They provide cold water, air-conditioned space, and free dinner at 4:30 p.m. for those in need.
Montgomery County, Maryland and Prince George's County also have cooling centers open for the public. Residents are advised to verify individual facility hours before visiting and stay hydrated.
In St. Mary's County, Maryland, several cooling centers are open for the public on Friday. These include various senior activity centers, libraries, and a soup kitchen.
In Washington, D.C., cooling centers are available throughout the area, including pools, spray parks, libraries, and more.
It's important to note that symptoms of heat-related illnesses may include painful muscle spasms or cramps, pale or flushed skin, dizziness, nausea, headache, and weakness. If someone is experiencing a heat stroke, seek immediate medical attention and call 9-1-1.
The Red Cross recommends drinking one cup of water every 20 minutes and avoiding sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks. Residents are also advised to stay indoors whenever possible, wear loose and light colored clothing, and stay hydrated.
A heat advisory is in effect until 8:00 p.m., and extreme heat has a stronger impact on the elderly, children, and sick individuals.
This story is ongoing and will be updated as the extreme heat continues. For specific location details, please visit the relevant county or city official websites. Stay safe and cool!
[1] Loudoun County Cooling Centers: https://www.loudoun.gov/coolingcenters [2] Portsmouth Cooling Stations: https://www.portsmouthva.gov/246/Cooling-Stations [3] Fairfax County Cooling Centers: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/coolingcenters [4] Lynchburg Salvation Army Cooling Station: https://www.salvationarmyvirginia.org/lynchburg/news/2022/06/29/salvation-army-announces-cooling-station-schedule-for-lynchburg-and-surrounding-communities/ [5] Montgomery County Cooling Centers: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/montgomerycountymd/en/recreation/parks/Pages/coolingcenters.aspx [6] Prince George's County Cooling Centers: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/3267/Cooling-Centers [7] St. Mary's County Cooling Centers: https://www.stmarysmd.com/430/Cooling-Centers [8] Washington, D.C. Cooling Centers: https://washington.gov/heatwave
- Besides providing relief from the heat wave, several cooling centers across the DMV region also offer resources related to health-and-wellness, serving as a hub for general news and information.
- Fitness-and-exercise enthusiasts can take advantage of these cooling centers offering recreational activities, likely contributing to mental-health benefits as well.
- The environmental-science community encourages visitors to utilize cooling centers to reduce their energy usage at home, helping in the fight against climate-change.
- As people visit cooling centers to beat the heat, they're also advised to stay updated on the latest weather conditions to ensure their safety during storms or other climatic events.
