Rockville Opens Four Cooling Centers Today

The City of Rockville has opened four cooling centers for community members in need of a place to cool off from this week’s hot weather.

The centers are located at the following facilities:

• Lincoln Park Community Center, 357 Frederick Avenue.
• 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.

According to a news release, the City of Rockville opens cooling centers at the above locations on days when the temperature or heat index is above 95 degrees or when a code red air quality alert is issued for Montgomery County.

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.

You can find out more about keeping cool on the CDC’s website, here.

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