With extremely high temperatures expected this weekend across Northeast Ohio, officials are providing a list of “cooling stations” around the county for those looking to escape the heat.
Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-to-upper-90s this weekend, with “feels like” temperatures in the triple digits, according to the National Weather Service forecast.
Residents without air conditioning are encouraged the utilize a cooling center near them. Cuyahoga County residents can find a complete list of cooling centers on the Community Social Services Program webpage here.
Summit County residents can take advantage of the following cooling centers:
Akron Citadel
190 South Maple Street, Akron
Thursday from noon to 3 p.m.
Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Reach them here at 330-762-8481
Barberton Corps
560 Wooster Road West, Barberton
Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Friday 9:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Reach them here at 330-745-2836
Stark County residents can take advantage of the following cooling centers:
Main Library
715 Market Ave. N, Canton
DeHoff Memorial Branch Library
216 Hartford Ave. SE, Canton
East Canton Branch Library
224 N. Wood Street, East Canton
Jackson Township Branch Library
7186 Fulton Drive NW, Canton
Lake Community Branch Library
565 Market Ave. SW, Uniontown
Madge Youth Branch Library
2921 Mahoning Rd. NE, Canton
Massillon Public Library
208 Lincoln Way E, Massillon
North Branch Library
189 25th Street NW, Canton
Perry Zippo Branch Library
5710 12th Street NW, Canton
Plain Community Branch Library
1803 Schneider Street NE, Canton
Rodman Public Library
215 E Broadway St, Alliance
Sandy Valley Branch Library
9754 Cleveland Ave. SE, Magnolia
Massillon Salvation Army
315 6th St NE, Massillon
The South East Community Center (Edward "Peel" Coleman Community Center)
1400 Sherrick Road SE, Canton
Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Reach them here at 330-489-3350
The Salvation Army
420 Market Avenue South, Canton
Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Reach them here at 330-453-0159
Officials also gave a useful acronym to help remember how to stay cool during high temperatures: Beat the H.E.A.T.
• Hydrate. Whether you feel thirsty or not, drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated, especially when working or exercising outside.
• Educate yourself. Know your local weather, temperature and heat index forecasts. Take actions to stay cool and safe with the temperature hits 85 degrees or the heat index is 90 degrees. Know the warning signs of heat illness, and how you can stay cool.
• Act quickly when a heat illness is suspected. Seek medical attention immediately for any of these warning signs: cramping, rapid pulse, heavy sweating, hot red skin, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting.
• Take it easy. Anyone working or exercising outdoors should avoid overexertion, especially between the hours of 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Take hourly breaks in the shade or in air conditioning.
The Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) stresses the danger of high temperatures, and the chances for developing heat-related disorders. Knowing the different between heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke could save lives.
According to a Cuyahoga County news release:
Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Heat cramps are non-life threatening.
Heat exhaustion occurs when people overexert themselves in hot and humid conditions. If untreated, heat exhaustion may cause a victim to suffer a heat stroke.
Heat stroke, also known as sun stroke, damages the body’s temperature control system, which regulates perspiration. A victim experiencing heat stroke can suffer brain damage or death if they do not receive proper medical care.
The Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services also reminds older persons that they are at higher risk of falling ill during the summer months.
“Older adults are prone to heat stress since their bodies do not adjust to sudden changes in temperature,” said Tracey N. Mason, DSAS Administrator. “They are more likely to have chronic medical conditions or to take prescription medicines that affect the body’s ability to control its temperature.”
DSAS said now is a good time to ensure cooling systems are working properly, and contact the county to connect with resources to assist with summer energy bills, if they are a concern. Call 216-420-6700 for more information on how the county can help.
For a list of tips to beat the heat, click here.
