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Providence Extends Water Park Hours, Coordinates Emergency Cooling Centers Ahead of Expected Heatwave

Officials Urge Residents to Exercise Caution During Extreme Heat Conditions

July 17, 2020

Providence, RI- Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza today announced that 12 of Providence’s water play parks will be operating with extended hours and two cooling centers will be activated this weekend in Providence due to the forecasted heatwave. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Advisory for July 18th-July 21st with heat indices from 94˚ to 101˚.

From Saturday, July 18th through Tuesday21st all water parks and splash pads (with the exception of Fargnoli Park) will offer extended hours from 12pm-7pm. For a full list of Water Park Facilities and locations visit the Department of Recreation’s website.

Two cooling centers will be made accessible for the duration of the heatwave. The Providence Career and Technical Academy (PCTA) Auditorium (41 Fricker St.) will be accessible via the Cranston Street entrance Saturday through Tuesday each day from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Crossroads (160 Broad St.) will be accessible throughout the duration of the heatwave 24-hours a day. Crossroads can be reached at 401-521-2255.

All recommended COVID-19 best practices will be followed at both cooling center locations and Water Parks. Anyone wishing to utilize free cooling center services should follow the below procedures and guidelines:

  • COVID-19 screenings and temperature checks will be conducted upon entry into a cooling center.
  • Masks must be worn for the entirety of a stay within a cooling center.
  • Contact information will be collected for use only in the case that COVID-19 contact tracing would be necessary.
  • Only certified service animals with documentation of status paperwork will be permitted inside cooling centers. No other pets will be allowed inside the facility.
  • Water will be provided. These sites will not serve as additional food distribution sites during the heatwave.

During extreme temperatures, heat-related illnesses are possible with prolonged outdoor exposure and strenuous activity, and the effects are cumulative over consecutive days. The elderly, youth and sick are especially vulnerable to high heat conditions. The City and Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) are asking residents to take precautions and are providing the following tips and suggestions.

Extreme heat 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.
  • 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.

Other helpful tips can be found at https://www.providenceri.gov/pema/extreme-heat/