Libraries Open As Cooling Centers As Temperatures Soar On Thursday

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — Temperatures are expected to approach 100 degrees in Prince William County on Thursday. To beat the heat, the county's public libraries will also serve as cooling centers.

The heat index is expected to approach 105 degrees on Thursday, county officials said. Each of the county's 12 library branches are equipped with air conditioning. The locations will be open until 5 p.m. on Thursday.

Prince William County opens the cooling centers whenever temperatures reach 95 degrees or the heat index reaches 100 degrees. The cooling centers will likely be open on Friday and Saturday, as weather forecasts predict the heat wave will continue.

Here are a list of the county's library and cooling center locations:

• Bull Run Library
  • 8051 Ashton Avenue, Manassas VA
• Central Library
  • 8601 Mathis Avenue, Manassas VA
• Chinn Park Library
  • 13065 Chinn Park Drive, Woodbridge VA
• Dale City Library
  • 4249 Dale Boulevard, Woodbridge VA
• Dumfries Library
  • 18115 Triangle Shopping Plaza, Dumfries VA
• Haymarket Gainesville Library
  • 14870 Lightner Road, Haymarket VA
• Independent Hill Library
  • 14418 Bristow Road, Manassas VA
• Lake Ridge Library
  • 2239 Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge VA
• Manassas City Library
  • 10104 Dumfries Road, Manassas VA
• Montclair Library
  • 5049 Waterway Drive, Dumfries VA
• Nokesville Library
  • 12993 Fitzwater Drive, Nokesville VA
• Potomac Library
  • 2201 Opitz Boulevard, Woodbridge VA

The Prince William County Office of Emergency Management offers several resources on its website to help residents stay safe during warm weather.

"These conditions can be dangerous and even life-threatening without proper precautions," the office says on its website.

Experts say residents should have an emergency kit, ensure their home's cooling system is working properly, and check on their neighbors. Residents should also learn the signs of heat related illnesses like heat cramps, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion.

In warm weather, residents should drink plenty of fluids and stay indoors whenever possible, county officials said. You should also dress in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and avoid strenuous work.

More resources are available online.