HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) – City officials are reminding citizens of resources available to help cope with the summer heat.
High temps this week are in the mid-90s with the heat index expected to be potentially dangerous. Super Doppler 10 Meteorologist Jeremy wheeler said it will likely feel between 100 and 110 degrees at times this week and through the weekend.
Hampton
Hampton residents are encouraged to use community centers and libraries to escape the heat and get drinking water.
Representatives from Hampton Roads Ecumenical Lodgings and Provisions (H.E.L.P.) will be out throughout the week in Hampton, providing water and help for the homeless. The non-profit will also keep its day center open and will provide a thermal shelter Thursday through Sunday.
James City County
Citizens and visitors to James City County are encouraged to use the following facilities as cooling centers, during normal operating hours this week.
- JCC Recreation Center – 5301 Longhill
- Human Services Center – 5249 Olde Towne
- Williamsburg Library – 515 Scotland Street
- James City County Library – 7770 Croaker Road
Norfolk
City of Norfolk officials suggest people who need a break from the heat head to one of the local libraries or the lobby of City Hall. The city is event extending the hours at a couple locations.
The following libraries have extended hours through the weekend.
Friday and Saturday – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Slover Library
- Pretlow Anchor branch
- H.C. Downing
- Janaf
- Barron F. Black
- Van Wyck
- Jordan-Newby Anchor branch
Sunday – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Slover Library
- Pretlow Anchor branch
- Jordan-Newby Anchor branch
Operation Blessing donated bottled water and the Norfolk street team will be out passing out water to the homeless and others, according to city spokesperson Lori Crouch.
The Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) will also be out over the weekend checking on elderly and home bound residents.
Portsmouth
The City of Portsmouth will activate “Cool City” Cooling Stations for individuals due to the excessive outside temperatures this week. Individuals may go to the following locations for shelter in reducing the danger of heat-related illness:
Portsmouth Main Library, 601 Court Street – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Churchland Library, 4934 High Street West – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Cradock Library, 28 Prospect Parkway – 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Manor Library, 1401 Elmhurst Lane – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Human Services Building (Dept. of Social Services Building), 1701 High Street – 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
City Hall Lobby, 801 Crawford Street – 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Senior Station, 3500 Clifford Street – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Behavioral Healthcare Services Building, 1811 King Street – 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Water will be provided. Pets, with the exception of service animals, are not permitted in any building. Citizens are encouraged to seek shelter in the Cooling Stations and other public facilities during excessive outside temperatures.
Virginia Beach
The city says its residents and visitors can go to any public library, recreation center or shopping mall to cool off.
10 On Your Side is reaching out to other local jurisdictions for their lists of cooling centers.
The Norfolk Department of Health provides the following tips to stay cool in extreme heat.
- Stay hydrated
- Keep cool indoors
- Check on elderly neighbors
- Wear light colored clothing
- Limit physical activity
- Keep pets and children out of hot cars