City of Lynchburg Opens Cooling Centers

Ten Day Forecast Calls for Ninety Degree Temperatures

Although many within Greater Lynchburg experienced some much-needed rain to cool things off Monday evening, according to weather forecasts, temperatures are expected to be in the mid-90’s over the next ten days.

Cooling Centers

The City of Lynchburg announced the following locations will serve as cooling centers the week of June 17. Cold water will be available at these locations as well:  

- Lynchburg Public Library - Main Branch, 2315 Memorial Avenue & the Downtown Branch Library, 216 12th Street, Monday – Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. NOTE: Both locations will be closed Wednesday, June 19 for the Juneteenth holiday.

- Department of Human Services Lobby – 99 Ninth Street, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. NOTE: Closed Wednesday, June 19 for the Juneteenth holiday.

- Miller Center – 301 Grove Street, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. NOTE: Closed Wednesday, June 19 for the Juneteenth holiday.

- Miller Park Pool – 2100 Park Avenue, open daily (including Wednesday June 19) 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., $3 per person ages three and up each day; free water available at the gate.

 - Lynchburg Community Market – 1219 Main Street, Tuesday – Saturday, 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. NOTE: This location will be open Wednesday, June 19.

- Salvation Army, 2215 Park Avenue, dining room will be open Wednesday – Saturday, 12 noon – 4:00 p.m. 

Prevention Tips

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 Your Animals Cool

In addition, 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.