NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — As highs hit the upper 90s, and with the heat index in some areas bubbling over at 110 degrees Friday, Norfolk announced its community and recreation centers will double as cooling centers.

They are places where people can find shelter from the heat, rest and hydrate, especially if your AC cuts out on a holiday weekend.

“Anytime we can take care of people that are not in a position to take care of themselves, it really bodes well for the city,” Travis Spruill said.

These centers will be open until 8 p.m. Friday. The Huntersville indoor pool will also be open until 8 p.m.

If you’re out in the sun, it’s also important to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion.

“You get excessive sweating, cool, pale, clammy skin and nausea or vomiting sometimes, but not all the time,” said Super Doppler 10 meteorologist Jeremy Wheeler. “You get a rapid pulse, but it’s weak, your body is trying to circulate blood to cool off.”

Heat exhaustion can turn into heat stroke, which is when your body stops sweating altogether and your pulse starts racing. If that happens, seek medical attention. And if you’re spending several hours outside, you may need more than just water.

“You do want to replenish, so you get those sports drinks, sometimes juices, things like that, just try to replenish those electrolytes,” Wheeler said.

Twelve-year-old Jaiden Spruill plays football and knows about staying safe.

“I usually drink C4 or Gatorade mostly,” Jaiden said.

“It’s more humid where we’re from in Greenville, North Carolina but there’s a breeze blowing off the water,” Jolie Busby said. “It’s brutal. It’s tough. It makes me sad because there’s a lot of people here for the holiday and they want to get out and about.”

For those experiencing homelessness, Norfolk’s Community Services Board’s The Center will extend day service hours until 8 p.m.

The city of Hampton will also have cooling centers with extended hours, until 8:30 p.m. available to its residents Saturday. They include:

  • West Hampton Community Center: 1638 Briarfield Road
  • Northampton Community Center: 1435 A Todds Lane
  • Fort Monroe Community Center: 100 Stilwell Road
  • North Phoebus Community Center: 249 West Chamberlin Avenue
  • Library cooling site at Main Library: 4207 Victoria Boulevard, which will cease regular operations at 5 p.m. but will remain open as a cooling site until 8:30 p.m.