Mayor Elorza, Providence Emergency Management urge residents to take appropriate safety measures in extreme temperatures
Providence, RI- As the city approaches the height of summer, Mayor Jorge Elorza and Providence Emergency Management Agency Director Michael Borg, want to make sure residence stay safe during extreme temperatures. Residence should plan properly when the temperature starts to rise:
o Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun
o Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine
o Limit your outdoor activities to the evening hours if possible
o Wear loose fitting clothing that is light in color. Wear brimmed hats and sunscreen SPF 15 or higher
o Use a buddy system when working outdoors
o Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and people with special needs
o DO NOT LEAVE CHILDREN OR PETS IN CARS
o DO NOT open fire hydrants to cool down. It is against the law. Report any open fire hydrant to the Fire Department
o Recognize the sign and symptoms of heat related emergencies
Heat Stroke: extremely high body temperature, red hot dry skin, rapid strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, unconsciousness. If you are someone else is experiencing this, seek immediate medical attention.
Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, fainting. If you or someone else experiences this, move to a cool shady location, and drink cool water. If symptoms are severe or worsen, seek immediate medical attention.
Cooling Shelters
PEMA has identified locations that can be utilized as cooling centers, in the event you need to seek shelter from the heat:
Federal Hill House
9 Courtland Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02909
421-4722 Hours of Operation – 9am – 6pm
Silver Lake Annex Multi- Purpose
Community Center
529 Plainfield Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02909
944-8300 Hours of Operation – 6:30am – 5pm
Joslin Community Development Corporation
231 Amherst Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02909
421-8062 Hours of Operation – 9am- 5pm
Davinci Center for Community Progress
470 Charles Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02904
272-7474 Hours of Operation – 8:30am -4:30pm
West End Community Center
109 Bucklin Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02907
781-4242 Hours of Operation – 6:30am-5:30pm
Jewish Community Center
409 Elmgrove Avenue
Providence, Rhode Island 02906 Open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm;
861-8800
Library Branches
Residents may also seek shelter at the following Providence Community Library branches:
Fox Point Library
90 Ives Street
Monday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday 1:00 – 8:00 pm
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Mt. Pleasant Library
315 Academy Avenue
Monday & Tuesday 1:00 – 9:00 pm
Wednesday 12:00 – 6:00 pm
Thursday 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Friday 12:00 – 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Olneyville Library
1 Olneyville Square
Monday 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Wednesday 1:00 – 8:00 pm
Thursday & Friday 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Rochambeau Library
708 Hope Street
Monday & Thursday 1:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Tuesday & Wednesday 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Friday & Saturday 12:00 – 6:00 pm
South Providence Library
441 Prairie Avenue
Monday, Thursday & Friday 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Tuesday 1:00 – 8:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Wanskuck Library
233 Veazie Street
Monday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday & Wednesday 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Thursday 1:00 – 8:00 pm
Friday 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Washington Park Library
1316 Broad Street
Monday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Thursday 1:00 – 8:00 pm
Note: All hours are subject to change