Bristol-Warren Setting Up Cooling Centers During Blazing Hot Weekend

BRISTOL-WARREN, RI — With a scorching heatwave hitting Rhode Island this weekend, Bristol and Warren have opened cooling shelters to help resident stay safe.

Bristol will have cooling centers open at Roger's Free Library at 525 Hope St., and Quinta-Gamelin Recreation Center at 101 Asylum Road. In Warren, Andreozzi Hall at 20 Libby Lane will be open as a cooling center.

Hours for the cooling centers can be found below:

Bristol

• Roger's Free Library: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday
• Quinta-Gamelin Recreation Center: 8 a.m. to 4 pm., Friday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

Warren (will only be used during a power outage)

• Andreozzi Hall: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

The Rhode Island Department of Help offered the following advice for times of extreme heat:

• Stay out of the direct sun.
• Try to stay in shaded areas.
• Pace yourself when you exercise.
• Schedule outdoor events early in the morning, when it is cooler and the air quality is better.
• Wear light-colored and light-weight clothing.
• Wear a hat with a brim and wear sunscreen for protection. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Use air conditioning or fans, windows, and shades or curtains to keep your house cool.
• Take cool showers or baths. Avoid cooking hot food indoors when the day is at its hottest.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Never leave a child, pet, or older adults in an unattended car during periods of extreme heat.