Pawtucket to offer ‘cooling centers’ to help beat the weekend heat

July 17, 2019 5:48 pm

By News Staff

Email: news@ab6.com

Twitter: @ABC6

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WLNE) – The City of Pawtucket announced cooling centers to be made available during the heatwave anticipated over the upcoming weekend.

The centers are available to residents who may not have access to air conditioning.

“We want to ensure that our residents, especially the elderly population and our children, have free places to go during the heatwave that will keep them safe and cool,” said Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien. “We urge everyone to take the necessary precautions to stay cool and hydrated.”

Cooling centers will be open at the following locations.

The Leon Mathieu Senior Center (420 Main Street) 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
Blackstone Valley Visitor Center (175 Main Street) open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
Pawtucket Police Department Headquarters (121 Roosevelt Avenue) lobby open 24 hours every day.
Pawtucket Public Library (13 Summer Street) open Monday through Thursday· from 9:00 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Kennedy Manor located (175 Broad Street) open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
St. Germain Manor (401 Mineral Spring Avenue) open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

In addition, the pool at Veteran’s Park will be open for extended hours from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Seniors can enter free of charge, otherwise the admission fee is $1.

The Payne Park Splash Pad will also remain open 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 7 days a week.

The pool and the public library also serve as free summer meal sites for children from Monday to Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

“It is important to not underestimate how quickly excessive heat can cause heat related injuries to individuals. It is vital that you remain hydrated and limit you time in the heat if possible,” said Emergency Management Agency Director David Deloge. “Please also do not forget that pets are affected by the heat just as humans are and take the necessary steps to keep them safe.”