Just Chill: Four Rockville Cooling Centers Open June 16

ROCKVILLE, MD — The City of Rockville opens four cooling centers for community members in extreme temperatures of 95-plus degrees, or on code red air quality days when an alert is issued by Montgomery County.

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

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

In addition to staying indoors in an air-conditioned place, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness," include:

• 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.

Find out more Rockville's cooling centers online, or by calling 240-314-5000.

Experts offer these safety tips for handling heat and humidity.

• Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him 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.
• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to an air conditioned public place or a County cooling center–even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
• 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.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.

Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on:

• Infants and young children
• People aged 65 or older
• People who have a mental illness
• Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure
• 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.