Heat Index Soars; Weekend Cooling Centers In Loudoun UPDATE

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — With potentially life-threatening high temperatures zeroing in on the area at least through Sunday, Loudoun County is offering ways to stay cool. Specifically, government facilities: Inasmuch that the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for the county through the weekend, extended hours have been implemented.

When the NWS issues an excessive heat warning, the county's community centers, recreation centers, and libraries serve as designated cooling centers, providing air conditioning, water and a place to sit. During this period of excessive heat, selected Loudoun County facilities will operate as cooling centers with extended weekend hours.

Saturday, July 20, 2019, Extended Hours

• The Loudoun Valley Community Center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• The Claude Moore and Dulles South Recreation Centers will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• The Lovettsville Community Center gym will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 21, 2019, Extended Hours

• Rust Library will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Sterling Library will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Purcellville Library will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• The Claude Moore and Dulles South Recreation Centers will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• The Lovettsville Community Center gym will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

In addition to the facilities with extended hours, the county’s community centers and libraries that are normally open on Saturday and Sunday will provide air conditioning, water and a place to sit. Information about Loudoun County Public Library locations and hours may be found at library.loudoun.gov. Information about hours and locations of community centers operated by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services may be found at loudoun.gov/prcs.

Pets are not allowed in the cooling centers. Residents who are seeking shelter for themselves and their pets can access the Loudoun County Animal Shelter during weekend business hours. The Animal Shelter’s location and business hours can be found at loudoun.gov/animals.

Heat and humidity will combine for heat index values, or "feels like" temperatures, of 110 degrees on Friday. The National Weather Service says it's possible it could feel like 110 to 115 degrees or greater Saturday and Sunday with temperatures in the mid-90s to around 100 degrees and dewpoints in the low- to mid-70s.

With temperatures that hot, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are possible. People should drink plenty of fluids and stay in an air-conditioned room whenever possible. If you don't have an air conditioner, spending a few hours at a cooling center might be your best best.

To prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke, experts recommend the following tips:

• Drink more fluids than usual, and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more fluids.
• Avoid alcohol or liquids that contain high amounts of sugar.
• Check on friends and neighbors, particularly those who are caring for young children and those who are elderly.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.
• Stay out of the sun. Find a shaded area where you can sit and relax, particularly during the hottest parts of the day.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Add a hat if you must be outside.
• Limit outdoor activities, especially at mid-day. If you exercise outdoors, move your workout to a morning or evening time, take it indoors to an air-conditioned environment, or try swimming, which is a great summer exercise.
• If you work outside, wear sunscreen and re-apply frequently, pace your activity, stay hydrated and check on co-workers.
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down, particularly if you're unable to be in an air-conditioned location.
• Avoid turning on your oven, if possible. It will make your house hotter.
• Never leave young children or pets in parked cars, even with the windows down.