Savannah residents will have access to free cooling centers, pools, and splash pads this Saturday as heat index values could reach a dangerous 110 degrees.
🌡️ Why It Matters: Extreme heat can be deadly, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and those without access to air conditioning. These cooling options provide critical relief during what could be one of the hottest days of the year.
🏊 Where To Cool Off: The city is opening multiple facilities with air conditioning and water features:
- Community centers: Tompkins and W.W. Law Regional Centers (12 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
- Four city pools: Bowles C. Ford, Daffin, W.W. Law, and Tompkins (1:30-3:30 p.m. & 4:30-6 p.m.)
- Ten splash pads across the city, including Forsyth Park and Hudson Hill (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
🏠 For Those Experiencing Homelessness: Three locations will provide cooling relief:
- Union Mission (8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
- Come As You Are (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- Salvation Army (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
🐴 Safety Measures: The city will enforce its equine heat safety ordinance, prohibiting horse-drawn carriages from operating when the heat index exceeds 110 degrees or when temperatures reach 95 degrees.
⚠️ Health Precautions: Officials advise residents to:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Stay in air-conditioned spaces
- Avoid direct sun exposure
- Check on vulnerable neighbors and relatives
- Never leave children or pets in vehicles
The Sources: City of Savannah, National Weather Service