Officials Urge Residents to Exercise Caution During Extreme Heat Conditions
PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Brett P. Smiley, the Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Providence Recreation Department today announced that due to extreme heat conditions expected July 27, 28, and 29 pools and water parks will operate with extended hours.
Water parks and pools are offering extended hours, 12:00pm – 7:00pm, Thursday, July 27 and Friday, July 28. On Saturday July 29 all City water parks and pools will be open 12:00pm-5:00pm. For a full list of water park and pool facilities locations, visit the Recreation Department’s website.
Cooling centers will also be available and open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the following locations:
COOLING CENTERS:
Emmanuel House: 239 Public St, 401-421-7888
Thursday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 9:00 – 5:00pm
Federal Hill House: 9 Courtland Street
Thursday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
LIBRARIES SERVING AS COOLING CENTERS:
Residents may seek shelter from the heat at the following Providence Community Library Branches and at the Providence Public Library:
Mt. Pleasant Library: 315 Academy Avenue, 401-272-0106
Thursday: 9:30am – 8:00 pm
Friday: 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Saturday: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Olneyville Library: 1 Olneyville Square, 401-421-4084
Thursday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Friday: 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Providence Public Library: 150 Empire Street, 401-455-8000
Thursday: 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Saturday: 8:30am – 4:00pm
Rochambeau Library: 708 Hope Street, 401-272-3780
Thursday: 9:30am – 8:00 pm
Friday: 1:00 pm-5:30 pm
Saturday: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Smith Hill Library: 31 Candace Street, 401-272-4140
Thursday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Friday: 1:00 pm-5:30 pm
South Providence Library: 441 Prairie Avenue, 401-467-2619
Thursday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Friday: 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Wanskuck Library: 233 Veazie Street, 401-274-4145
Thursday: 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday: 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Washington Park Library: 1316 Broad Street, 401-781-3136
Thursday: 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday: 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Anyone wishing to utilize free cooling center services should follow the below procedures and guidelines:
- Only certified service animals with documentation of status paperwork will be permitted inside cooling centers. No other pets will be allowed inside the facility.
- Free bottled water will be available at all cooling centers.
During extreme temperatures, heat-related illnesses are possible with outdoor exposure and strenuous activity, and the effects are cumulative over consecutive days. The elderly, youth and individuals with illnesses are especially vulnerable to high heat conditions. The City and PEMA are asking residents to take precautions and are providing the following tips and suggestions.
Extreme Heat Safety Tips:
- Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
- Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty; avoid drinks with caffeine.
- Limit your outdoor activities to the evening hours if possible.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing that is light in color; wear brimmed hats and sunscreen SPF 15 or higher.
- Use a buddy system when working outdoors and take frequent breaks to cool down.
- Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and people with special needs.
- Do not leave children or pets in cars.
- Do not open fire hydrants to cool down, it is against the law; report any open fire hydrant to the fire department.
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-related emergencies.
For more information, please visit the City’s website.