Hazardous Heat Prompts Need For Cooling Centers In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — With high temperatures expected to reach the high 90s in the next days, the City of Alexandria is offering cooling centers.

Tuesday's National Weather Service forecast for Alexandria calls for temperatures up to 96 degrees, while Wednesday temperatures could reach 98. The heat index values could reach 102 degrees on both days.

Cooling centers are aimed at helping residents who don't have access to air conditioning during extreme heat conditions. The city will have cooling centers at recreation centers during business hours on Tuesday, June 29 and Wednesday, June 30:

• Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe Street), 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center (25 West Reed Avenue), 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Lee Center (1108 Jefferson Street), 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Avenue), 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Avenue), 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Avenue), 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Visitors at the cooling centers may be screened for COVID-19 symptoms through screening questions and a temperature check. Staff and visitors are required to wear a mask in shared spaces. Masks and bottled water will be provided as needed.

Adults 60 years or older can also get assistance through the city's Senior Cool Care Program. This program provides cooling fans and other assistance for seniors meeting income requirements and other guidelines. To determine eligibility, call 703-746-5999. The Virginia Energy Assistance Cooling Program provides assistance to households with a person over the age of 60, a child under age six or someone receiving disability payments through social security.

City government cautions residents that prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity can cause heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and cramps, or heat stroke in severe cases. Individuals with underlying health conditions should take extra precautions when faced with extreme heat. The National Weather Service has more information on signs of heat-related illnesses and when to seek help.

During hazardous heat, residents are advised to stay indoors, limit exposure to the sun, drink plenty of water, and wear loose-fitting, light-colored and lightweight clothing. Pets should be kept indoors as much as possible with fresh water. Pets or children should not be left in vehicles even with air conditioning.

Residents are encouraged to check on neighbors who may be at risk or do not have air conditioning. Welfare checks for people experiencing homelessness and others can be requested at the police non-emergency number, 703-746-4444.

Recreation centers and library locations will continue to be cooling locations through the summer. The Potomac Yard Park Interactive Fountain is also open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Labor Day weekend. Check library locations for updated hours.

• Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library (5005 Duke Street)
• Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library (717 Queen Street)
• Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library (4701 Seminary Road)
• James M. Duncan Branch Library (2501 Commonwealth Avenue)