City of Providence Extends Opening of Emergency Cooling Centers and Water Parks Through Sunday
Officials Urge Residents to Exercise Caution During Extreme Heat Conditions
PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, the Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Providence Recreation Department today announced that due to continued extreme heat conditions, cooling centers and water parks will remain open through Sunday. Earlier this week, the City announced that cooling centers would be open through Friday and that pools and waterparks would offer extended hours through Saturday. With dangerously high temperatures expected to continue in the city, cooling centers and all Providence water parks will continue to be accessible through Sunday.
Water parks and pools are still offering extended hours, 12pm – 7pm, Friday, July 23 and Saturday, July 24 and water parks will open Sunday, July 24 from 12pm – 7pm. For a full list of water park and pool facilities locations, visit the Recreation Department’s website.
Cooling centers are operational and will remain open through Sunday, July 24. A full list of locations and hours can be found on the PEMA website: https://www.providenceri.gov/
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.
- Water will be provided. These sites are not currently serving as additional food distribution sites during the heatwave.
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 individuals with illnesses are especially vulnerable to high heat conditions. The City and PEMA are asking residents to take precautions and are providing the following tips and suggestions.
Extreme Heat Safety 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 and take frequent breaks to cool down.
- 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 heat safety tips can be found at https://www.providenceri.
COOLING CENTERS:
Crossroads RI: 160 Broad St, 401-521-2255
- Available seven days a week, 24 hours a day
Emmanuel House: 239 Public St, 401-421-7888
- Saturday: 7:00am – 6:00pm
- Sunday: 7:00am – 6:00pm
Downcity Church: 68 Fulton St, 401-400-0382
- Sunday: 12:00pm – 7:00pm
LIBRARIES SERVING AS COOLING CENTERS:
Residents may seek shelter from the heat at the following Providence Community Library Branches and at the Providence Public Library:
Fox Point Library: 90 Ives Street, 401-331-0390
- Friday: 1:00pm – 5:30pm
Knight Memorial Library: 275 Elmwood Ave, 401-467-2625
- Friday: 1:00pm – 5:30pm
- Saturday: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Mt. Pleasant Library: 315 Academy Avenue, 401-272-0106
- Friday: 1:00 pm – 5:30pm
- Saturday: 9:30 am – 5:30pm
Olneyville Library: 1 Olneyville Square, 401-421-4084
- Saturday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
- Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Providence Public Library: 150 Empire Street, 401-455-8000
- Friday: 1:00pm – 5:00pm
- Saturday: 8:30am – 4:00pm
Rochambeau Library: 708 Hope Street, 401-272-3780
- Friday: 1:00pm – 5:30pm
- Saturday: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Smith Hill Library: 31 Candace Street, 401-272-4140
- Friday: 1:00pm – 5:30pm
South Providence Library: 441 Prairie Avenue, 401-467-2619
- Friday: 1:00pm – 5:30pm
- Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Wanskuck Library: 233 Veazie Street, 401-274-4145
- Friday: 1:00pm – 5:30pm
Washington Park Library: 1316 Broad Street, 401-781-3136
- Friday: 1:00pm – 5:30pm