For Immediate Release: July 17, 2020
The City of Alexandria will offer cooling centers to residents, following a hazardous weather outlook issued by the National Weather Service through Tuesday, July 21. Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s Sunday through Wednesday. The hot temperatures, combined with high humidity, will cause heat indices to approach 105 degrees.
Prolonged exposure to hot temperatures and high humidity can cause heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, cramps, or in extreme cases, heat stroke. It is especially important for residents with underlying health issues to take extra precautions and plan ahead for this excessive heat event. During extended heat waves, people are advised to stay indoors and limit their exposure to the sun; drink plenty of water; and wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing.
The following locations will be made available for cooling centers from Saturday, July 18, to Tuesday, July 21:
Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center (25 W. Reed Ave.), 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Ave.), 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe St.), 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Ave.), 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Ave.), 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 N. Union St.), 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Ave.), 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe St.), 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 N. Union St.), 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Oswald Durant Center (1605 Cameron St.), 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
T.C. Williams High School Minnie Howard Campus (3801 W. Braddock Road), 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
In accordance with federal, state and local health COVID-19 guidelines, visitors will be screened by City staff for COVID-19 symptoms (questionnaire and temperature check), and staff and visitors will be required to wear face masks, maintain 6 feet of distance, and wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer frequently. Enhanced cleaning will be practiced throughout facilities.
Alexandrians are also encouraged to check on neighbors via phone or video chat who may be at risk or do not have access to air conditioning. Keep pets indoors as much as possible with plenty of fresh water, use caution when walking them on hot pavement, and do not leave pets or children in vehicles, even if the air conditioning is on.
Visit the City’s website for more information on how to stay safe during excessive heat, and for other weather-related information.
For inquiries from the news media only, contact Craig Fifer, Director of Communications and Public Information, at craig.fifer@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3965.
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