Heat Wave Will Open Rockville Cooling Centers

ROCKVILLE, MD — With extreme weather predicted for the area this week, remember that on days where the thermometer hits 95-plus degrees, or when a code red air quality alert is issued for Montgomery County, the City of Rockville’s four cooling centers will be open.

It's going to feel like 100 degrees or more outside in parts of Maryland on Monday. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for some areas in the state, including Montgomery County.

The heat advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. on Monday, June 18.

Community members using the cooling centers may stay in designated public areas for free. Those who want to use the amenities (like fitness rooms, computer labs or drop-in programs) may do so after paying a daily admission fee.

Cooling centers will be open during normal hours of operation. An adult must accompany children using the cooling centers.

The centers are located at the following city facilities:

• Lincoln Park Community Center, 357 Frederick Ave.
• Rockville Senior Center, 1150 Carnation Drive.
• Thomas Farm Community Center, 700 Fallsgrove Drive.
• Twinbrook Community Recreation Center, 12920 Twinbrook Parkway.

SEE RELATED: 105-Degree Heat Forecast For Parts Of MD: Heat Advisory Issued

In addition to staying indoors in an air-conditioned place, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness” has advice to help keep you healthy in hot weather:

• Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place, is a much better way to cool off.
• Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Montgomery County is under a code orange air quality alert on Monday.

The air quality alert means the concentration of air pollution will be dangerous for these sensitive groups: children; older adults; and people who have asthma, lung diseases or heart conditions.

Sensitive groups should avoid exercising outside and strenuous activity.

Read more of the CDC’s tips on their website.

For more information about Rockville’s cooling centers, call 240-314-5000. Learn more about Rockville’s community centers and other facilities on the city’s website.

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