Where To Cool Off as Heat Wave Washes Over Ohio Valley
Shelley Hanson Trending
MOUNDSVILLE -- Perhaps one's air conditioning doesn't work that well or maybe one doesn't have A/C at all.
There's no need to suffer through the next couple days of high heat and humidity across the region as cooling shelters and other locations with cool air are available.
The National Weather Service of Pittsburgh has issued a heat advisory for today for the Ohio Valley. According to the NWS, between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. today it will feel as hot as 104 degrees. These types of temperatures can cause heat illnesses.
According to the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency, the following locations are on stand-by as emergency cooling centers. Those in need of a cooling shelter must first call 304-845-1920, the administrative line for the 911 center, to make arrangements:
– Cameron Volunteer Fire Department Community Hall;
– Fork Ridge VFD;
– Glen Dale VFD Hall;
– Limestone VFD;
– Moundsville VFD Hall;
– Roberts Ridge VFD Community Building;
– St. Joseph VFD;
– Benwood City Council Chambers (daytime hours only);
– Cameron City Council Chambers (daytime hours only);
– McMechen City Building (former Bishop Donahue High School, daytime hours only); and
– Moundsville City Council Chambers (daytime hours only).
People should also be sure to bring water, snacks, medicine, cell phone and charger and anything else they may want or need.
Tom Hart, director of the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency, said the EMA recommends that people try to stay with family or friends with good air conditioning before opting to use an emergency cooling shelter. He noted none of the shelters are open already, which is why people need to call first before arriving.
People may also be able to seek relief at least during daytime hours in other public places such as libraries or indoor shopping areas.
"A lot of times people will even go into a local restaurant or local store to cool off," he said. "People go to eateries or coffee shops as well. Sometimes local churches will have a function or meal that day and the church will be open for a few hours and let people come in."
Families may want to take the kids to the swimming pool to keep wet and cool. Or if one can't make it to the pool, a good old soaking with the garden hose can help as well - and is fun.
According to the NWS, to help prevent heat-related illness people are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air conditioned rooms and stay out of the sun.
Hart recommends that people check on their neighbors or relatives to see if they need help, especially if they have any illnesses.
Lou Vargo, director of the Wheeling-Ohio County Emergency Management Agency, said those who need to use a cooling center in his county can call 304-234-3756.
He said the county's cooling locations, much like in Marshall County, are on stand-by and not already open.
Lt. John Lawrence, commander of the Wheeling-Ohio Salvation Army, said the emergency homeless shelter on 16th Street in Wheeling will open its lobby area up for the public to use between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. today.
"We have a waiting room with a TV and computers there ... We will have snacks as well as water for them," he said. "It's a place for them to relax and get out of the heat."
Lawrence said IDs will not be checked for those wanting temporary relief out of the heat. However, those who wish to stay past 5 p.m. and overnight will have to go through the shelter's intake process.
"We've been blessed here in the Ohio Valley during this drastic heatwave (in the U.S) to escape a majority of that," Lawrence said. "Even this one we're having does not touch what others are having, but we want to make sure we're taking care of our most vulnerable during this time."
Meanwhile, Vargo also advises people to stay hydrated and to make sure their pets are staying cool and are well hydrated, too.
"Don't forget about your pets, the elderly and children as they are more susceptible to heat," Vargo said. "The most important thing is to be aware of the heat and heat index ... limit your exposure and watch for the signs of heat illness."
Signs of heat exhaustion can include: dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea and weakness. Signs of heat stroke can include confusion, dizziness and becoming unconscious.