ATLANTA — With heat advisories anticipated in metro Atlanta over the weekend, plans are in the works to give residents relief from high temperatures and a safe place to cool off.
The below municipalities have announced plans for cooling centers, but the National Weather Service also has important safety tips to keep in mind for anyone dealing with extended periods of high heat. Experts emphasize older adults, children, and those experiencing illnesses, can be especially vulnerable.
COOLING STATIONS
(This list will be updated with hours/locations as more information becomes available.)
COLLEGE PARK
According to College Park Fire Rescue, the cooling station will be open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day at the Public Safety Building at 3717 College Street, College Park. Fire and police will be monitoring the station. Masks will be provided if needed, and only bottled water will be provided
DEKALB COUNTY
DeKalb County officials announced recreation centers and libraries throughout the county will be available as cooling centers Friday, Saturday and Sunday due to a heat advisory. The centers will operate during the locations’ normal business hours
For a list of DeKalb County recreation centers, visit it's website. A room in each available recreation center will be designated as a cooling center, and water fountains will be accessible. Additionally, there will be free access to pools from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. during National Weather Service heat advisory notifications days.
For a list of DeKalb County libraries, visit https://dekalblibrary.org/locations. Water fountains will be accessible at available libraries.
The DeKalb County Department of Human Services, located at 30 Warren Street, Atlanta, GA 30317, also will be open to the public as a cooling center Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., during heat advisories.
Additionally, the DeKalb County Community Development Department is currently housing homeless residents in local hotels and motels. Persons in DeKalb County who need homelessness assistance or housing services can contact DeKalb County Coordinated Entry by calling (404) 687-3500.
DURING A HEAT WAVE
- Slow down: Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day. Children, seniors and anyone with health concerns should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
- Dress for summer: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat.
- Eat light: Choose easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads. If you pack food, put it in a cooler or carry an ice pack. Meats and dairy products can spoil quickly in hot weather.
- Drink plenty of water (not very cold): Focus on non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids. Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you’re on a fluid-restrictive diet or have a problem with fluid retention, consult a physician before increasing consumption of fluids.
- Use air conditioners: Spend time in air-conditioned locations such as malls and libraries if your home isn’t air conditioned.
- Use portable electric fans: Fans exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air. Do not direct the flow of portable electric fans toward yourself when room temperatures are hotter than 90°F. The dry blowing air will dehydrate you faster, endangering your health.
- Minimize direct exposure to the sun. Sunburn reduces your body’s ability to dissipate heat. Take a cool bath or shower.
- Do not take salt tablets: Only take salt tablets if recommended by a physician.
- Be aware of infants, older, sick or frail people and pets.
NEVER leave infants, children, adults or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open. If you see anyone locked in a hot vehicle, call 911.