Wake County further extends cooling stations as heat wave lingers
Wake County's temporary cooling stations have been open since Aug. 6, and extreme temperatures persist with no end in sight. For residents who need relief from the dangerous heat and humidity, cooling stations will remain open through at least Wednesday, Aug. 19.
"Heat-related illnesses and death can happen during long bouts of extreme heat, but these tragedies are preventable," said Josh Creighton, deputy director of Wake County Fire Services and Emergency Management. "We encourage everyone to take advantage of our cooling stations and other public, air-conditioned spaces. If you think you need a break, get inside and cool down right away."
Wake County activates cooling stations during prolonged periods of extreme high temperatures, which is defined as:
- Three consecutive days with heat index values of more than 100
- Heat Advisory (Heat Index 105–109) for two consecutive days
- Excessive Heat Warning (Heat Index >= 110) for any period
Cooling Station Schedule
Wake County Public Libraries
Friday–Wednesday
Closing times for libraries vary, so visitors should check online or call their local library for site-specific information.
Regional Centers and Health and Human Services Centers
Friday and Monday–Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m.:
Sites that are not normally open to the public, such as EMS stations, fire stations and county fleet maintenance buildings, will not be available as cooling stations.
Cool for Wake
Cool for Wake is a seasonal program that provides free fans and air conditioning units to eligible residents during the summer months.
Households without air conditioning where a child, older adult or person with a disability live are eligible for help.
Visit wake.gov/coolforwake to learn more. Call 919-212-7083 or email CoolForWake@wake.gov to get connected.
Staying Safe in Extreme Heat
Adults older than 65, children younger than 4, people with existing medical conditions and those without access to air conditioning are at the greatest risk on days with high temperatures.
To stay safe and cool during extreme heat, residents are encouraged to:
- Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
- Familiarize themselves with the medical conditions that can result from overexposure to heat, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat and take frequent breaks.
- Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
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