Baby, it’s hot: DeKalb County to open cooling centers this weekend

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– In response to National Weather Service forecasts of heat index exceeding 100 degrees, DeKalb County is opening cooling centers on Friday, June 28, through Monday, July 1.

Atlanta hit a scorching 100 degrees on Wednesday, June 26, becoming Georgia’s first 100-degree day since Aug. 13, 2019, meteorologists reported.

For a list of  available cooling centers in DeKalb County, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/weather.

DeKalb recreation centers and libraries will be available as cooling centers, during the locations’ normal business hours. Recreation centers will be open on Sunday. Libraries are closed on Sundays.

Water fountains will be accessible at parks and libraries.

A room in each available recreation center will be designated as a cooling center.

During cooling center activations, recreation center pools will be free to the public from

2 p.m.to 6 p.m.

The DeKalb County Department of Human Services, located at 30 Warren Street, Atlanta, GA 30317, also will be open to the public as a cooling center Friday and Monday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., during the excessive heat.

Seniors needing assistance can call the Senior Link Line at 770-322-2950 for an assessment of need.

Persons in DeKalb County who need homelessness assistance or housing services can contact DeKalb County Coordinated Entry by calling 404-687-3500.

For hot weather tips, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/weather.

Health officials warn that hot days can affect anyone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer the following tips during extreme hot periods:

• Protect yourself and others when it’s hot outside by staying cool, staying hydrated, and knowing the symptoms.
• Hot days can affect anyone. If you are pregnant, are a child or teen with asthma, or have a heart condition or other chronic health conditions, heat can make your health worse.
• Work with your doctor to create a Heat Action Plan.

You can track the heat risk for your ZIP code and find more information at: the CDC’s web site: https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/Applications/HeatRisk/