Stay cool! UPDATED: Cooling centers, splash pads, water parks all over RI for heat dome days

From today through Friday, and perhaps through the weekend, a “heat dome” will cover most of New England, and in Rhode Island primarily the northern and western areas, away from the coast. While some schools in surrounding states have closed, all of Rhode Island still in session appears to be staying open. Things could change as the days – and heat – accumulates.

According to the RI EMA, “Heat illnesses have the potential to be life-threatening. That is why it is important to make sure you and your family are prepared to beat the heat. Download the Extreme Heat Safety Guide to learn how you can prepare for a heat wave and extreme heat. The Extreme Heat Safety Guide also contains information about heat illnesses and how to treat them.”

SAFETY GUIDE:

In most cities, public libraries are your best bet. Some will be staying open until early evening. Check on your library’s website, or call them or the city/town hall.

Other ideas: water parks and pools, shopping malls, grocery stores, movie theaters, senior centers. Examples from Pawtucket and Providence of what you’ll find more cities and towns doing.

From the RI Department of Health:

Normally, when you get hot, your body cools itself by sweating. However, 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. Certain populations are at increased risk for heat-related illness during periods of extreme heat. These populations include babies and young children, people who are pregnant, children and teens with asthma, older adults, people who work outdoors, and people with chronic medical conditions (such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity).

When you are outside during extreme heat: 

• Stay out of the direct sun. Try to stay in shaded areas.
• Wear a hat with a brim and wear sunscreen for protection.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine. 
• Pace yourself when you exercise.
• 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 hot food indoors when the day is at its hottest.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Never leave children, pets, or older adults in unattended cars 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 and remove unnecessary clothing; put a cool, wet cloths on their body (neck, under the arms and groin); use a fan; and have them sip water or a sports drink. Call medical help (911) if symptoms get worse or last longer than one hour. 

Cooling centers:

Some 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: https://riema.ri.gov/planning-mitigation/resources-businesses/cooling-centers

Extreme Heat Safety Tips from the City of Providence/PEMA:

During extreme temperatures, heat-related illnesses are possible with outdoor exposure and strenuous activity, and the effects are cumulative over consecutive days. The elderly, youth and individuals with illnesses are especially vulnerable to high heat conditions. Providence is asking residents to take precautions and are providing the following tips and suggestions. 

City of Pawtucket reminds residents of Cooling Center locations

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

• 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.

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 Early Opening of Cooling Centers, Splashpads and Water Parks

Due to extreme heat conditions expected June 18, 19, 20 and 21 splashpads and water parks will open two weeks early and cooling centers will be activated.  

Splashpads and water parks will be open from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Tuesday, June 18, Thursday, June 20 and Friday, June 21 and 12:00 PM -7:00 PM on Wednesday, June 19. Below is a full list of water park and splashpad locations that will be open to all:

Park	Location
Al Carrington Water Park	64 Richardson St.
Billy Taylor Water Park	124 Camp St.
Sackett Street Water Park	100 Sackett St.
Harriet & Sayles Water Park	375 Sayles St.
General Street Water Park	11 West Dr.
George West Water Park	1266 Chalkstone Ave.
Fargnoli Water Park	945 Smith St.
Fox Point Water Park	505 Wickenden St.
A. Vincent Igliozzi Rec Center	675 Plainfield St.
Wallace Street Park	1 Wallace St.
Pastore Park	Corner of Knight St. & Tell St.
Joslin Recreation Center	17 Hyatt St.

Only the following libraries will be open as cooling centers on Wednesday, June 19, due to the holiday:  

The following cooling centers will be opened at their respective hours through the week:  

EMERGENCY COOLING CENTERS: 

Emmanuel House: 239 Public St, 401-421-7888 – Tuesday-Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm 

Federal Hill House: 9 Courtland Street – Tuesday-Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm 

Providence Rescue Mission: 627 Cranston Street – Open 24/7 during high heat conditions 

Crossroads: 160 Broad Street – Open 24/7 during high heat conditions 

LIBRARIES SERVING AS COOLING CENTERS:  

Town of Coventry, RI

Cooling centers: (not open Juneteenth, 6/19)

• Coventry Public Library at 1672 Flat River Road — open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday
• Coventry Senior and Resource Center at 50 Wood St. — 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

Anyone wishing to utilize free cooling center services should follow the below procedures and guidelines: 

·         Only certified service animals with documentation of status paperwork will be permitted inside cooling centers. No other pets will be allowed inside the facility. 

·         Free bottled water will be available at all cooling centers.  

For more information, please visit the City’s website.