As heat index values are expected to hit more than 100 degrees this weekend, creating the potential for dangerous conditions, local governments throughout the D.C. region are turning various spaces into “cooling centers,” for those who may not have access to a place to beat the heat.
“We are a cooling site for everybody,” said Diahann Carolyn Norris, assistant facility director at Rollingcrest-Chillum Community Center in Prince George’s County. She said after registering at the front desk, people can stay as long as they want during operating hours.
The Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County has 22 cooling centers open throughout the county during the summer months, not only during times of excessive heat.
“Safety is our priority,” said Jennifer Munoz, Latino and media engagement specialist with the department. “We want people to stay cool with these extreme temperatures we are experiencing.”
There are additional cooling centers at county libraries.
More information on where to find a cooling center near you is below:
DC
Maryland
- Anne Arundel County cooling centers
- Charles County cooling centers
- Howard County says residents needing to cool down can visit a community center, 50+ Center or a library branch during normal hours.
- Montgomery County does not have a map of specific cooling centers, but does offer its county libraries, rec centers, senior centers and regional services centers as a place to cool off.
- Prince George’s County cooling center map
Virginia
- Alexandria City recommends visiting recreation centers and libraries.
- Arlington County advises residents to head to a library, community center, spray ground or shopping mall to stay cool.
- Fairfax County cooling center map
- Loudoun County, facilities normally open to the public may serve as cooling centers during operating hours
- Prince William County cooling centers