Four Rockville Cooling Centers Open Friday

Rockville, MD — With the National Weather Service predicting temps in the high 90s Friday afternoon, and the humidity making it feel like 100 degrees, officials in Rockville are urging residents to stay in the air conditioning.

The City of Rockville has opened four cooling centers for residents who need a place to cool off from the area's hot weather.

>>News Alerts: Subscribe to a free email newsletter: •ROCKVILLE

The centers are located at these 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

Residents using the cooling centers may stay in designated public areas for free. Those who want to use the amenities (e.g., fitness rooms, computer labs or drop-in programs) must pay a daily admission fee.

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

SEE ALSO: MD Weather Forecast: How Miserable Will It Be?

The City of Rockville opens cooling centers at the above locations when the temperature or heat index is above 95 degrees or when a code red air quality alert is issued for Montgomery County.

The Centers for Disease Control offers advice on extreme heat:

• Do not leave children in cars. Even in cool temperatures, cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly.
• Increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level.
• Replace salt and mineral that are removed through heavy sweating.
• Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
• Schedule your outdoor activities around the morning and evening hours.
• Pace yourself, especially if you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment.
• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place.
• Monitor those at high risk. Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching

General Health Warnings:

• If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
• Don't drink liquids that contain alcohol, or large amounts of sugar. These actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.

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.