Savannah Braces for Extreme Heat: Cooling Centers Open

As Savannah braces for another scorching day, with heat index values expected to soar to 110 degrees, the city is stepping up efforts to help residents stay cool and safe. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, effective from noon to 6 p.m. today, marking the 14th day of extreme heat this summer.

In response, the City of Savannah, in collaboration with various partner agencies, has opened several community centers, pools, splashpads, and libraries as cooling centers. These facilities provide a much-needed respite from the oppressive heat, offering residents and visitors a safe and air-conditioned environment during the hottest parts of the day.

Officials are urging everyone to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and check on vulnerable neighbors and relatives. The city has also reminded residents to never leave young children or pets unattended in vehicles, as temperatures inside cars can quickly become life-threatening.

For those working or spending time outdoors, precautions such as rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours, and wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing are recommended. The city’s 100% Savannah Plan, a commitment to renewable energy and environmental protection, underscores the broader efforts to improve community health and well-being in the face of such extreme weather conditions.

By The Numbers

• 110°F: Expected heat index in Savannah today.
• 14: Number of days with extreme heat this summer in Savannah.
• 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Operating hours for community centers and most cooling facilities today.
• 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Hours of operation for city splashpads.
• 95°F: Temperature threshold for the city’s equine heat safety ordinance, which restricts horse-drawn carriages.

Cooling Centers:

All City Community Centers and pools are open as follows for Monday, Aug. 12:

Community Centers:

Tompkins Regional Center

2333 Ogeechee Road

12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Windsor Forest Regional Center

414 Briarcliff Circle

12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

W.W. Law Regional Center

900 E. Bolton St.

12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

City pool hours:

Bowles C. Ford

1900 Stiles Ave.

1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Daffin 

1301 E. Victory Dr.

1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

W.W. Law

900 E. Bolton St.

1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Tompkins

2333 Ogeechee Road

1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

City splashpads:

Hudson Hill

2227 Hudson St.

10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Hull Park

55^th and Atlantic Ave.

10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Crusader Park

81 Coffee Bluff Villa Rd.

10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Forrest Hills

Skidaway and Berkshire Rd.

10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Avondale Park

Texas and Ohio Ave.

10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Victory Heights Park

E 42^nd St and Taskin Ave.

10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Savannah Gardens

516 Pennsylvania Ave.

10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Forsyth Park

10 Whitaker St.

10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Live Oak Libraries:

All locations

10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Homeless Service Provider Partners to serve persons experiencing homelessness: 

Union Mission

120 Fahm St.

8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Salvation Army

3100 Montgomery St.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Old Savannah City Mission

2414 Bull St.

10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Come as You are Deliverance Ministry

4429 Skidaway Road

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In Context

The City of Savannah’s response to extreme heat is part of a broader initiative under the 100% Savannah Plan, adopted in March 2020. This plan aims to transition the city to 100% renewable energy, promoting sustainable practices that protect the environment and enhance public health. With climate change contributing to increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves, Savannah’s proactive measures, including the opening of cooling centers, reflect the city’s commitment to safeguarding its residents. The emphasis on community health during these extreme weather events is crucial as Savannah and other cities in Georgia continue to face the challenges of a warming climate.

News You Can Use

Residents and visitors can take the following steps to stay safe during the heat advisory:

• Visit one of the city’s cooling centers, pools, or splashpads during the designated hours to stay cool.
• Check on elderly neighbors or those without access to air conditioning.
• If working outside, take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, and drink plenty of water.
• Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and seek medical attention if necessary.
• Learn more about the city’s 100% Savannah Plan and how to get involved in local environmental initiatives by visiting www.savannahga.gov/100savannah.

The Sources

• National Weather Service
• City of Savannah
• 100% Savannah Plan Information

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