Hot, hot, hot – Cooling opportunities, Heat Advisory

This information is being updated throughout the day

Today begins a Heat Advisory in Rhode Island for the next few days.

Governor Dan McKee is alerting Rhode Islanders to the availability of cooling centers statewide and is reminding people about measures to take to stay healthy and safe.

“Extreme heat can be a serious health concern for anyone. However, it’s particularly dangerous for younger children, older adults, and people with underlying health issues,”said Governor McKee. “With the temperatures we are seeing, people should be checking on each other, staying well hydrated, limiting their exposure to the heat, and watching for signs of heat-related illness.”

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for much of Rhode Island for Thursday, July 27 through Friday, July 28. A heat advisory goes into effect when the temperature and the humidity make it feel like 95°F-99°F for two days in a row or when the temperature and humidity make it feel like 100°F-104°F for one day.

Cooling centers

Many cities and towns have cooling centers open to those who need shelter during periods of extreme heat. To find a cooling center, call 2-1-1 or visit the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency website.

When you are outside during extreme heat 

Normally, when you get hot, your body cools itself by sweating. But when it is very hot and humid, sweating isn’t enough, and your body temperature can rise very quickly. High temperatures can cause heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or heat cramps.

• Stay out of the direct sun. Try to stay in shaded areas.
• Wear a hat with a brim and wear sunscreen (SPF 30 or more) for protection.
• Drink plenty of water 
• Pace yourself when you exercise.
• Provide plenty of water for pets and leave the water in a shaded area.
• Schedule outdoor events early in the morning, when it is cooler, and the air quality is better.
• Wear light-colored and light-weight clothing.

When you are inside during extreme heat

• Use air conditioning or fans, windows, and shades or curtains to keep your house cool.
• Take cool showers or baths. Avoid cooking in the oven or on the stovetop when the day is at its hottest.
• Drink plenty of water 
• Never leave a child, pet, or older adults in an unattended car during periods of extreme heat. 

Watch for warning signs

Check on friends, family, and neighbors during periods of extreme heat. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating; cold, pale, and clammy skin; nausea or vomiting, tiredness; dizziness; or headache. If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, move them to a cool place; put a cool, wet cloth on their body; and have them sip water. Call medical help if symptoms get worse or last longer than one hour. 

Heat exhaustion in pets 

• Watch for bright red, gray, purple or bluish gums, excessive drooling, dry nose, excessive panting, weakness, etc.).  
• Lower the body temperature (place near a fan, take to a cooler location, wetting with cool water), apply water around ears and paws and contact a veterinarian.

More information about extreme heat and the prevention measures people should take is available on from the Rhode Island Department of Health.

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City of Pawtucket Announces Cooling Centers

Over the next 72 hours, temperatures throughout Rhode Island are anticipated to rise. On July 26, the City of Pawtucket announced that several sites will be available as cooling centers to help cope with the warm weather. 

The following local buildings will be open to the public during the times listed below:

• The Pawtucket Police Department Headquarters lobby at 121 Roosevelt Avenue is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
• The Pawtucket Public Library at 13 Summer Street is available Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
• Leon Mathieu Senior Center at 420 Main Street is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• The Blackstone Valley Visitor Center at 175 Main Street is available Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Open Doors Warming and Cooling Shelter at 1139 Main Street is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
• EMA Mobile Cooling Center on Roosevelt Avenue is available on days expected to be 90 degrees+ from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Non-emergency telephone numbers for police (401-727-9100) and fire (401-725-1424) are available for people affected by the heat to call if they may need to arrange for transportation.

Seniors with heat-related concerns may also contact the staff at the Leon Mathieu Senior Center at 401-728-7582.

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City of Providence

Over the next few days Providence will extend the hours of pools and splash pads. They will be open from noon to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and on Saturday, from noon to 5 p.m.

The City of Providence Recreation Department maintains five outdoor swimming pools:

• Davey Lopes Recreation Center Pool, 227 Dudley Street
• McGrane Pool at West End Recreation Center, 404 Dexter Street
• Almagno Pool at Igliozzi Recreation Center, 675 Plainfield Street
• Selim Madelin Rogers Recreation Center Pool, 60 Camden Avenue
• A. Vincent Igliozzi Recreation Center Pool, 18 Gesler Street

Waterpark Facilities

Al Carrington Water Park at Richardson Park
64 Richardson Street
(Corner of Richardson Street & Prairie Avenue)

Billy Taylor Waterpark
124 Camp Street
(Off Cypress Street)

Sackett Street Waterpark
110 Sackett Street 
(Across from Sackett Street Recreation Center)

Harriet & Sayles Waterpark
375 Sayles Street 
(Corner of Harriet & Sayles Streets)

General Street Waterpark
11 West Drive 
(Off Admiral Street)

George West Waterpark
1266 Chalkstone Ave 
(Corner of Chalkstone & Mt Pleasant Avenue)

Fargnoli Waterpark
945 Smith Street 
(Close to Academy Avenue)

Fox Point Waterpark – at Cabral Park
505 Wickenden Street 
(Next to Vartan Gregorian School)

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City of Cranston

The newly opened Splash Pad is located off Oak Street, adjacent to the Bain Middle School walking track. The pad will be open from approximately 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Hours may be extended in heatwave. Check back often.

Cranston Senior Center: 1070 Cranston St

• Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 3:30 PM

Central Public Library: 140 Sockanosset Cross Rd

• Mon – Sat: 9 AM – 5 PM

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City of Warwick

Pilgrim Senior Center: 27 Pilgrim Parkway

• Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Warwick Public Library – Central Library:  600 Sandy Ln

• Mon. Tue, Wed: 9 AM – 8 PM
• Thu, Fri, Sat: 9 AM – 5 PM

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City of Woonsocket

Woonsocket Senior Center: 84 Social St

• Mon – Fri: 8 AM – 4 PM

Woonsocket Police Station Lobby Area: 242 Clinton St

• Weekends and Library/Senior Center Off Hours

Woonsocket Harris Public Library: 303 Clinton Street

• Mon, Wed and Thurs: 9 AM-9 PM
• Tues & Fri: 9 AM-5 PM

Mt. St. Charles Ice Arena: 800 Logee St

• Mon – Fri: 8 AM – 4 PM
• Sat & Sun: 9 AM – 12 PM

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Other locations in RI: Cooling centers: call 211 – or, , call 2-1-1 or Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency

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