Richmond County has opened eight cooling centers to help residents escape the dangerous heat wave sweeping across Georgia today.
🌡️ Why It Matters: With heat index values expected to reach up to 109 degrees, these cooling centers provide a lifesaving option for people without air conditioning or those most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
❄️ Where To Find Relief: Richmond County’s cooling centers are spread throughout Augusta and Hephzibah, with varying hours:
- Carrie J. Mays Center: 1014 11th Ave, Augusta (10:30AM-7:00PM)
- Bernie Ward Center: 1941 Lumpkin Rd, Augusta (hours not specified)
- Blythe Center: 3129 HWY 88, Blythe (9:30AM-6:00PM)
- Henry H. Brigham Center: 2463 Golden Camp Rd, Augusta (11:00AM-8:00PM)
- May Park: 622 4th Street, Augusta (9:30AM-8:00PM)
- McBean Center: 1155 Hephzibah/McBean Rd, Hephzibah (8:30AM-6:00PM)
- Sand Hills Center: 2540 Wheeler Rd, Augusta (9:00AM-5:00PM)
- Warren Road Center: 300 Warren Rd, Augusta (10:00AM-7:00PM)
🚨 Who’s At Risk: The elderly, young children, people with certain medical conditions, and those without access to air conditioning face the highest danger during extreme heat events.
🚰 Stay Safe: Health officials recommend drinking plenty of water, limiting outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
🏠 Beyond Cooling Centers: Columbia County residents can visit Bessie Thomas Community Center at 5913 Euchee Creek Dr. in Grovetown (7am-1:30pm, Monday-Friday).
📱 Need Help? Each cooling center has a phone number listed for those needing more information. The Robert Howard Community Center in Diamond Lakes (103 Diamond Lakes Way, Hephzibah) is also available at 706-826-1370.