City Encourages Residents Encouraged to Take Precautions During Extreme Heat; Cooling Centers to Open (July 25-30)

According to weather forecasts, temperatures are expected to be in the mid- to upper 90’s this weekend and into early next week. The following locations will serve as cooling centers Friday, July 25 – Wednesday, July 30:

- Lynchburg Public Library, Main Branch, 2315 Memorial Avenue - Monday, July 28 and Wednesday, July 30, 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday, July 29, 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. 

- Lynchburg Public Library, Downtown Branch, 216 12th Street - Monday, July 28 and Wednesday, July 30, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday, July 29, 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 

- Department of Human Services Lobby, 99 Ninth Street - Monday, July 28 - Wednesday, July 30, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

- Salvation Army, 2215 Park Avenue – Dining room will be open Friday, July 25 - Sunday, July  27, 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily.

       Bottled water will be available at all locations.  

Residents are encouraged to follow these prevention tips from the Virginia Department of Health:

Drink water. When the temperature rises, it is important to drink plenty of water. Drinks that contain caffeine, large amounts of sugar or alcohol should be avoided because they can cause you to become dehydrated.

Keep cool indoors. On hot days, prevent illness by keeping cool indoors. If your home is not air conditioned, try to spend the hottest hours of the day in a cool public place such as a library, movie theater or store. 

Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella. Always apply sunscreen to exposed skin.

Limit physical activity. Avoid excessive physical exertion in hot temperatures, especially in the middle of the day. If you must work outdoors, stay hydrated by drinking two to four glasses of water each hour and take frequent breaks in a cool place. Even a few hours in an air-conditioned environment reduces the danger of heat-related illness. 

Do not keep children or pets in cars. Temperatures inside a car with windows up can reach over 150 degrees quickly, resulting in heat stroke and death. 

Check on your neighbors. Although anyone can suffer heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. People aged 65 or older are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses and complications that can result during periods of high temperatures and humidity. 

Keep animals cool when temperatures soar. According to the Humane Society of the United States, never leave pets in a parked car; limit exercising your pet to early morning or evening hours; make sure pets have protection from heat and sun; always provide pets and plenty of fresh, cold water, whether they are inside or outside. 

Cooling Assistance
The Virginia Department of Social Services offers Cooling Assistance to help eligible households stay safe and comfortable this summer. The program supports:
     - Electric bills to run air conditioners or fans
     - Repair or replacement of cooling equipment
     - Purchase & installation of one A/C unit (if none is working)
     - Security deposits for new or reconnected service

Applications are being accepted now through August 15. You may qualify if your household has someone under age six, age 60+, or with a disability and meets income limits. Full eligibility details are available HERE or by calling VDSS at 1.855.635.4370.