Augusta cooling centers stay open as dangerous heat grips area

Sky-high temperatures are forecast this week in Augusta, and cooling centers remain open, offering relief from the dangerous heat.

The Augusta Emergency Management Agency is encouraging residents to take precautions as extreme heat continues across the area.

More: Highs near 100 keep Augusta under extended heat advisory

Residents seeking relief from the heat can visit cooling centers throughout Augusta-Richmond County.

For more information, visit: www.augustaga.gov/3387/Shelter-Evacuation-Information.

Cooling center locations in Augusta

• Bernie Ward Community Center: 1941 Lumpkin Road, Augusta. Phone: [phone]. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, noon-4 p.m.
• Blythe Center: 3129 Highway 88, Blythe. Phone: [phone]. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Carrie J. Mays Center: 1014 11th Ave., Augusta. Phone: [phone]. Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, noon-4 p.m.
• Eastview Community Center: 644 Aiken St., Augusta. Phone: [phone]. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Robert Howard Community Center: 103 Diamond Lakes Way, Hephzibah. Phone: [phone]. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, noon-4 p.m.
• Henry H. Brigham Center: 2463 Golden Camp Road, Augusta. Phone: [phone]. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, noon-4 p.m.
• May Park: 622 Fourth St., Augusta. Phone: [phone]. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, noon-4 p.m.
• McBean Community Center: 1155 Hephzibah-McBean Road, Hephzibah. Phone: [phone]. Hours: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
• McDuffie Woods Community Center: 3431 Old McDuffie Road, Augusta. Phone: [phone]. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, noon-4 p.m.
• Sand Hills Center: 2540 Wheeler Road, Augusta. Phone: [phone]. Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Warren Road Community Center: 300 Warren Road, Augusta. Phone: [phone]. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, noon-4 p.m.

Safety tips during extreme heat

• Stay hydrated. Drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activity. When possible, schedule outdoor work or exercise during cooler parts of the day.
• Take breaks. If you must be outdoors, rest regularly in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
• Dress appropriately. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
• Check on others. Older adults, neighbors who live alone, and people with limited mobility may need additional assistance.
• Protect children and pets. Never leave a child or pet unattended in a parked vehicle, even for a short time.
• Protect pets outdoors. Provide fresh water, shade and access to cooler areas. Remember that pavement can become dangerously hot and burn paws.

This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.

Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at [e-mail] or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta cooling centers stay open as dangerous heat grips area