Providence opens water parks / cooling centers as temperatures rise

Officials urge residents to exercise caution ahead of extreme heat conditions; provide safety tips and locations and schedules of cooling centers and water parks 

Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza today announced that select Providence water parks will be opening tomorrow, Saturday, June 5 and Sunday, June 6 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm to help residents keep cool with extreme heat temperatures forecasted. 

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 precaution and are providing extreme heat tips and locations and schedules of Providence Cooling Centers and water parks. 

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 http://www.providenceri.gov/pema/extreme-heat/. 

WATER PARKS

The following Providence water parks will be open Saturday, June 5 and Sunday, June 6 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm.

• Al Carrington Water Park – at Richardson Park, 64 Richardson Street, corner of Richardson Street & Prairie Ave)
• Sackett Street Water Park, 110 Sackett Street, across from Sackett Street Recreation Center
• George West Water Park, 1266 Chalkstone Avenue, corner of Chalkstone and Mount Pleasant Avenue
• Fargnoli Water Park, 945 Smith Street, close to Academy Avenue
• Joslin Recreation Center, 17 Hyatt Street
• Wallace Street Park, 1 Wallace Street
• Chad Brown Water Park, Chad Brown Street

COOLING CENTERS:

Crossroads RI

160 Broad Street

Providence, RI 02903

401-521-2255

(Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day) 

LIBRARY BRANCHES:

Beginning Monday, residents may also seek shelter at the following Providence Community Library Branches. Please note that visits to the library are currently limited to one hour.

Fox Point Library

90 Ives Street

401-331-0390

Monday 10:00am to 1:00pm, 2:00pm-5:30pm

Tuesday 1:00pm to 5:30pm, 6:30pm-8:00pm

Mt. Pleasant Library

315 Academy Avenue

401-272-0106

Monday: 1:00pm to 8:00pm

Tuesday: 1:00pm to 8:00pm

Olneyville Library

1 Olneyville Square

401-421-4084

Monday: 10:00am to 1:00 pm, 2:00pm to 5:30pm

Tuesday: 10:00am to 1:00 pm, 2:00pm to 5:30pm 

Rochambeau Library

708 Hope Street

401-272-3780

Monday: 1:00pm to 8:00pm

Tuesday: 10:00am to 5:30pm 

Smith Hill Library

31 Candace Street

401-331-0390

Monday: 10:00am to 1:00pm, 2:00pm to 5:30pm

Tuesday: 10:00am to 1:00pm, 2:00pm to 5:30pm

South Providence Library

441 Prairie Avenue

401-467-2619

Monday: 10:00am to 1:00pm, 2:00pm to 5:30pm

Tuesday: 1:00pm to 5:30pm, 6:30pm to 8:00pm

Wanskuck Library

233 Veazie Street

401-274-4145

Monday: 10:00am to 1:00pm, 2:00pm to 5:30pm

Tuesday: 10:00am to 1:00pm, 2:00pm to 5:30pm

Washington Park Library

1316 Broad Street

401-781-3148

Monday: 10:00am to 1:00pm, 2:00pm to 5:30pm

Tuesday: 10:00am to 1:00pm, 2:00pm to 5:30pm

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