Savannah opens cooling centers amid extreme heat

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The City of Savannah is operating cooling centers throughout the weekend in response to an extreme heat warning and extreme heat watch in effect for the area.

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An extreme heat warning is in effect through 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14. An extreme heat watch is in effect from Saturday morning through Saturday evening, Aug. 15, with similar conditions expected Sunday. Heat index values of up to 114 to 115 degrees are expected. The highest heat index values Friday are expected between noon and 5 p.m. Isolated showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon may provide some relief. Southeast Georgia and Southeast South Carolina are among the impacted areas.

City officials note that heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.

RELATED: Savannah firefighters share tips to recognize heat illness and keep families safe

What to do during extreme heat

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding energy drinks and alcohol. OSHA also advises refraining from direct sun exposure and checking on relatives and neighbors.

Children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles. Those who work or spend time outdoors should wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and, when possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

Anyone overcome by heat should move to a cool, shaded location. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are medical emergencies. Residents should know the signs and symptoms and call 911 when needed.

Cooling center locations and hours

Saturday, Aug. 15 — Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Carver Village Neighborhood Center — 905 Collat Ave.
• Cloverdale Neighborhood Center — 1919 Cynthia St.
• Crusader Neighborhood Center — 81 Coffee Bluff Villa Road
• Eastside Regional Center — 415 Goebel Ave.
• Hudson Hill Center — 2227 Hudson St.
• John S. Delaware Regional Center — 1815 Lincoln St.
• Liberty City Neighborhood Center — 1401 Mills B. Lane Blvd.
• Mary Flournoy Golden Age Center — 1001 W. 39th St.
• Tatemville Neighborhood Center — 333 Coleman St.
• Tompkins Regional Center — 2333 Ogeechee Road
• Tremont Neighborhood Center — 2010 Paige Ave.
• Windsor Forest Regional Center — 414 Briarcliff Circle
• W.W. Law Regional Center — 900 E. Bolton St.

Sunday, Aug. 16 — Open noon to 5 p.m.

• Tompkins Regional Center — 2333 Ogeechee Road
• W.W. Law Regional Center — 900 E. Bolton St.

Splash pads and pools

Splash pads will be open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the following locations:

• Victory Heights Park — E. 41st St.
• Avondale Park — 2117 Alabama Ave.
• Ben Van Clark Park — 1202 E. Park Ave.
• Forsyth Park — 1 W. Gaston St.
• Hudson Hill Community Center — 202 W. Lathrop Ave.
• Tatemville Community Center — 333 Coleman St.
• Hull Park — 55th Atlantic Ave.
• Forest Hills Park — 4901 Skidaway Road
• Crusader Community Center — 81 Coffee Bluff Villa Road

City pools will be free and open to the public Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at:

• Daffin Park — 1301 E. Victory Drive
• Tompkins Center — 2333 Ogeechee Road
• W.W. Law Regional Center — 900 E. Bolton St.

Partner facilities

The following partner organizations are also providing cooling resources:

• 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.

Transportation to cooling resources is available through the Homeless Authority at 912-803-2994.

The City of Savannah said it will continue to assess the need for cooling resources and issue updates.