City extends cooling center hours amid extreme heat warning in Savannah

by WTOC Staff

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The City of Savannah is extending the openings and operating hours of cooling facilities Thursday, July 9, 2026, due to an extreme heat warning in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

>>> FIRST ALERT WEATHER FORECAST <<<

Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values between 113 and 116 degrees are possible across portions of southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina. Elevated temperatures and high humidity may cause heat-related illnesses.

Cooling centers and pools

The following cooling centers will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.:

Eastside Center – 599 Goebel Ave.
Grant Center Gym – 1310 Richards St.

City pools are free and open to the public from 1 to 5 p.m.:

Bowles Ford – 1900 Stiles Ave.
WW Law – 900 E. Bolton St.
Daffin Pool – 1301 E. Victory Drive
Jenkins Pool – 1800 E. DeRenne Ave.
Tompkins Center – 2333 Ogeechee Road

Splash pads

The following splash pads will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.:

Victory Heights Park – E. 41st St.
Avondale Park – 2117 Alabama Ave.
Ben Van Clark Park – 1202 E. Park Ave.
Hudson Hill Community Center – 202 W. Lathrop Ave.
Tatemville Community Center – 333 Coleman St.
Forest Hills Park – 4901 Skidaway Road
Crusader Community Center – 81 Coffee Bluff Villa Road

Partner facilities

The following partner facilities will also be available Thursday:

Union Mission Resource Center, 702 Oglethorpe Ave. – 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Salvation Army, 3100 Montgomery St. – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Come As You Are Deliverance Center, 1901 Pennsylvania Ave. – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Homeless Authority will be available to provide transportation. Call 912-803-2994.

Heat safety guidance

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments during outdoor work or activities. Workers and residents should hydrate before, during and after time outdoors, drinking one cup of cool water every 20 minutes even if not thirsty. Officials said energy drinks and alcohol should be avoided.

SEE: Humane Society shares tips for keeping pets safe in summer heat

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded location. Heat stroke is a medical emergency — call 911.

Additional precautions include wearing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, refraining from direct sun exposure and checking on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles. Strenuous activities should be rescheduled to early morning or evening when possible.

HEAT SAFETY: Kids and UV safety: What a Savannah pediatrician wants parents to know

The city said it will continue to assess the need for cooling resources and issue updates as necessary.