Rockville Opens Cooling Centers

With temperatures predicted to remain in the high 80s to low 90s with humidity levels to match, Rockville has opened four cooling centers to the community .

The centers are at the following city facilities:

• Lincoln Park Community Center, 357 Frederick Ave.
• Rockville Senior Center, 1150 Carnation Drive
• Thomas Farm Community Center, 700 Fallsgrove Drive
• Twinbrook Community Recreation Center, 12920 Twinbrook Parkway

Community members using the cooling centers may stay in designated public areas for free. Those who want to use the amenities (i.e. fitness rooms, computer labs or drop-in programs) may do so after paying a daily admission fee.

Cooling centers will be open during normal hours of operation. An adult must accompany children using the cooling centers.

The City of Rockville opens cooling centers at the above locations on days when the temperature is above 95 degrees or when a code red air quality alert is issued for Montgomery County. The D.C. region is under a heat advisory for June 12 with “feel like temperatures” near 100 by this afternoon. The air quality index for today is code yellow.

In addition to staying indoors in an air-conditioned place, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness,” include:

• Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
• Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

For more information about Rockville’s cooling centers, call 240.314.5000.

About Krista Brick

Krista Brick is a multi-media journalist with Montgomery Community Media.

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