Wake County Reopens Cooling Stations As Triple Digit Heat Returns
- Wake County activates cooling stations when heat index exceeds 100 degrees for 3+ days.
- Cooling stations include public libraries and regional health/human services centers.
- Vulnerable groups like seniors, children, and those without AC are at highest risk.
After a brief break from the heat, Wake County is activating cooling stations beginning Thursday, July 16, through at least Monday, July 20, as heat indexes are expected to exceed 100 degrees in the coming days.
“Extreme heat can become life-threatening, especially for vulnerable communities without access to air conditioning,” said Darshan Patel, Emergency Management Operations Manager. “With several days of triple-digit heat expected, Wake County’s public buildings are open to provide a safe, air-conditioned place for residents to cool off.”
Wake County activates cooling stations during prolonged periods of extreme high temperatures, which is defined as:
- Three consecutive days with heat index values of more than 100
- Heat Advisory (Heat Index 105-109) for two consecutive days
- Excessive Heat Warning (Head Index >= 110) for any period
Cooling Station Schedule
Wake County Public Libraries
Thursday – Monday
Closing times for libraries vary, so visitors should check online or call their local library for site-specific information.
Regional Centers and Health and Human Services Centers
Thursday, Friday and Monday 8:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.:
- Social Services Building, 220 Swinburne St., Raleigh
- Departure Regional Center, 5809 Departure Drive, Raleigh
- Eastern Regional Center, 1002 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon
- Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave., Wake Forest
- Southern Regional Center, 130 N. Judd Parkway NE, Fuquay-Varina
- Western Human Services Center, 111 James Jackson Ave., Cary
Sites that are not normally open to the public, such as EMS stations, fire stations and county fleet maintenance buildings, will not be available as cooling stations.
Cool for Wake
Cool for Wake is a seasonal program that provides free fans and air conditioning units to eligible residents during the summer months.
Households without air conditioning where a child, older adult or person with a disability live are eligible for help.
Visit wake.gov/coolforwake to learn more. Call 919-212-7083 or email CoolForWake@wake.gov to get connected.
Staying Safe in Extreme Heat
Adults older than 65, children younger than 4, people with existing medical conditions and those without access to air conditioning are at the greatest risk on days with high temperatures.
To stay safe and cool during extreme heat, residents are encouraged to:
- Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
- Familiarize themselves with the medical conditions that can result from over-exposure to heat, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat and take frequent breaks.
- Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
