High temperatures expected to wind down through the weekend ahead

With heat index values climbing past 100 degrees for a fifth straight day, Wake County is extending its network of cooling stations through today,  July 31. The decision comes as the National Weather Service forecasts another day of dangerous heat, following one of the hottest Julys on record in our region, according to forecasters.

“We’ve had back-to-back days of extreme heat, and that kind of sustained exposure can take a real toll, especially on vulnerable residents,” said Josh Creighton, deputy director of Wake County Fire Services and Emergency Management. “We’re urging everyone to treat this heat wave seriously, check on neighbors and use cooling centers if you don’t have means to keep cool.”

The schedule for the cooling stations is below:

Wake County Public Libraries

Thursday, July 31

Closing times for libraries vary, so visitors should check online or call their local library for site-specific information.

Regional Centers and Health and Human Services Centers

Thursday, July 31
8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m.

• Wake County Health & Human Services, 220 Swinburne St., Raleigh
• Departure Regional Center, 5809 Departure Drive, Raleigh
• Eastern Regional Center, 1002 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon
• Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave., Wake Forest
• Southern Regional Center, 130 N. Judd Parkway NE, Fuquay-Varina
• Western Health & Human Services Center, 111 James Jackson Ave., Cary
   

Sites that are not normally open to the public, such as EMS stations, fire stations and county fleet maintenance buildings, will not be available as cooling stations.

Staying Safe in Extreme Heat

Adults older than 65, children younger than 4, people with existing medical conditions and those without access to air conditioning are at the greatest risk on days with high temperatures. Drinking plenty of water and staying out of the sun are critical precautions. People should also check on their neighbors who may be at high risk and ensure they have access to heat relief and hydration.

To stay safe and cool during extreme heat, residents are encouraged to:

• Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
• Familiarize themselves with the medical conditions that can result from over-exposure to heat, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat and take frequent breaks.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.