Cooling Centers Open In East Providence For Weekend Heatwave

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — With a scorching heatwave hitting Rhode Island this weekend, East Providence city officials are opening three cooling centers to keep residents safe.

East Providence will have cooling centers at the Riverside Library at 475 Bullocks Point Ave., the East Providence Senior Center at 610 Waterman Ave., and Weaver Library at 42 Grove. Ave.

Hours for the cooling centers can be found below:

• Riverside Library: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday
• East Providence Senior Center: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday
• Weaver Library: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

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.