Lynchburg Opens Cooling Centers as Extreme Heat Arrives This Week

Air-Conditioned Locations, Family Activities and Cooling Assistance Available as Temperatures Near 100 Degrees

With temperatures expected to climb into the upper 90s and potentially reach 100 degrees this week, the City of Lynchburg and several community partners are opening free cooling centers to help residents escape the dangerous heat.

Cooling centers will operate Wednesday through Friday, though some city-operated locations will be closed Friday in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Bottled water will be available at city-operated sites through the Lynchburg Fire Department.

Cooling Center Locations

Wednesday and Thursday

• Department of Human Services, 99 Ninth Street (8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.)
• Miller Center Customer Service Desk, 301 Grove Street (8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.)
• Miller Center Library Hub, 301 Grove Street (10 a.m.–6 p.m.)
• Lynchburg Public Library, Downtown Branch, 216 12th Street (10 a.m.–6 p.m. Wednesday; 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Thursday)

Wednesday through Friday

• Salvation Army, 2215 Park Avenue (Noon–5 p.m.)
• The Refuge on Memorial, 2220 Memorial Avenue (8 a.m.–6 p.m.)

Free Family Cooling Activities

The city is also offering several free activities designed to help residents cool off.

On Thursday, the Lynchburg Fire Department will host a pop-up cooling event from 2 to 4 p.m. near the aviary at Miller Park, where firefighters will create a spray area using a fire hydrant.

Earlier that day, the Lynchburg Public Library will host a Splash Party at Miller Park from noon to 2 p.m., featuring water games, sprinklers, balloon and sponge tosses, handheld water cannons, and bubble activities.

Heat Safety Tips

Health officials encourage residents to:

• Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol.
• Spend the hottest part of the day in air-conditioned buildings if possible.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon.
• Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
• Check on older neighbors and others who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

Pet owners are also encouraged to provide fresh water, shade, and limit outdoor exercise to the cooler morning and evening hours.

Cooling Assistance Available

Virginia's Cooling Assistance Program is accepting applications through Aug. 15 for eligible households. The program may help cover electric bills, repair or replace cooling equipment, purchase a window air-conditioning unit, or assist with utility security deposits for qualifying residents.

Additional information on cooling center locations, summer safety resources, and cooling assistance is available through the City of Lynchburg and the Virginia Department of Social Services.