Mayor Taveras, PEMA Announce Safety Measures, Cooling Shelters in Advance of Heat Wave

With the National Weather Service predicting dangerous heat in the coming days, Mayor Angel Taveras and Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Peter T. Gaynor are taking special measures to protect residents from the excessive heat.

The City is advising residents to take the following safety precautions:

• Do not leave children or pets in cars unattended because the temperatures in closed cars will far exceed the outdoor temperature.
• 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 a hat.
• Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein which increase metabolic heat.
• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
• Stay indoors when possible.
• Check on your neighbors who are most at risk; especially the elderly and small children.
• Take regular breaks when engaged in physical activity on warm days. Take time out to find a cool place. If you recognize that you, or someone else, are showing the signals of a heat-related illness, stop activity and find a cool place. Remember, have fun, but stay cool!
• In an emergency situation, residents should always call 911.

Salvation Army Cool Down Event

On Wednesday, June 20 and Thursday, June 21, the Salvation Army will operate a cooling station from 12-3PM in Kennedy Plaza across the street from Providence City Hall.

Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services

The Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services will be available to residents to refer them to the resources they need. The Office of Neighborhood Services can be reached at 421-2489.

Cooling Shelters

PEMA has identified locations that can also be utilized as cooling centers:

Federal Hill House
9 Courtland Street
6:30am - 6pm

Silver Lake Annex Multi- Purpose Community Center
529 Plainfield Street
6:30am - 5pm

Joslin Community Development Corporation
231 Amherst Street
9am- 5pm

Nickerson Community Center
133 Delaine Street
9am - 5pm

Capitol Community Center
110 Ruggles Street
7am - 5pm

Davinci Center for Community Progress
470 Charles Street
8:30am -4:30pm

West End Community Center
109 Bucklin Street
9am - 5:30pm

Jewish Community Center
409 Elmgrove Avenue
Wednesday and Thursday 5am-9pm
Friday 5am-6pm

Library Branches

Residents may also seek shelter at the following Providence Community Library branches:

Fox Point Library
90 Ives Street
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 1:00 - 6:00 pm

Mt. Pleasant Library
315 Academy Avenue
Wednesday 12:00 - 6:00 pm
Thursday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
Friday 12:00 - 6:00 pm

Olneyville Library
Olneyville Square
Wednesday 1:00 - 8:00 pm
Thursday & Friday 1:00 - 6:00 pm

Rochambeau Library
708 Hope Street
Wednesday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Friday 12:00 - 6:00 pm

South Providence Library
441 Prairie Avenue
Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Thursday & Friday 1:00 - 6:00 pm

Wanskuck Library
233 Veazie Street
Wednesday 1:00 - 6:00 pm
Thursday 1:00 - 8:00 pm
Friday 1:00 - 6:00 pm

Washington Park Library
1316 Broad Street
Wednesday 1:00 - 6:00 pm
Thursday 1:00 - 8:00 pm
Friday 1:00 - 6:00 pm

Public pools and water parks operated by the Department of Parks & Recreation are scheduled to open on July 2, 2012.