Raleigh – Blistering heat extends into September, and high temperature records dating back to the 50s are expected to be broken this week in Raleigh. These expectations have prompted Wake County to open temporary cooling stations for people to find relief from the scorching temperatures, a county press release says.
“With temperatures likely to reach 104 degrees by midweek, we want to encourage anyone who doesn’t have a place to go to visit one of our cooling plants if they need to,” said Joshua Creighton, Deputy Director. Fire services and emergency management.
We invite residents to stop by the following locations to beat the heat:
Tuesday, noon – 5:15 pm
Wednesday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m
- Health and Human Services of Wake County, 220 Swinburne Street, Raleigh
- Wake County Health and Human Services Departure Center, 5809 Departure Road, Raleigh
- Eastern Regional Center, 1002 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon
- Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Street, Wake Forest
- Southern Regional Center, 130 N Judd Parkway NE, Fuquay-Varina
- Western Health and Human Services Center, 111 James Jackson Street, Cary
Tuesday, closing time noon
Wednesday and Thursday, normal business hours
Library closing times vary, so visitors should check online or call their local library for location-specific information.
The statement says that locations 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 the sweltering heat
Adults over 65, children under four years of age, people with existing medical conditions, and those without access to air conditioning are most at risk on hotter days. Drinking plenty of water and staying out of the sun are important precautions. People should also check with their neighbors who may be at high risk and make sure they have access to heat and hydration.
To stay safe and cool during extreme temperatures, residents are encouraged to:
- stay indoors in air-conditioned places as much as possible and limit exposure to sunlight;
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-coloured clothing that covers as much skin as possible;
- Learn about medical conditions that can result from excessive heat exposure, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
- Avoid strenuous work during the warmer part of the day. Use the buddy system when working in extreme temperatures and take frequent breaks; And
- Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
