The City of Savannah, in collaboration with partner agencies, is opening facilities to help residents stay cool as heat index values are expected to reach 110 degrees, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). A heat advisory will be in effect from 11:00 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Residents are advised to drink plenty of fluids, remain in air-conditioned spaces, avoid direct sunlight, and check on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should not be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Those working or spending time outdoors should take extra precautions by rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening and wearing lightweight clothing.
City Cooling Centers and pools will be open on Sunday, July 20. Community centers such as Tompkins Regional Center at 2333 Ogeechee Road and W.W. Law Regional Center at 900 E. Bolton St. will operate from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
City pool hours include Daffin at 1301 E. Victory Dr., W.W. Law at 900 E. Bolton St., and Tompkins at 2333 Ogeechee Road, all open from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Splashpads across various locations including Hudson Hill, Hull Park, Crusader Park, Forrest Hills, Avondale Park, Victory Heights Park, Savannah Gardens, Forsyth Park, Tatemville, and Montgomery Crossroads will be accessible from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
For individuals experiencing homelessness, services are available through partners like Union Mission at 120 Fahm St., Come As You Are at 1901 Pennsylvania Ave., and Salvation Army at 3100 Montgomery St.
The City is also enforcing equine heat safety ordinances affecting local tour companies when the heat index exceeds certain thresholds. Horse-drawn carriages are prohibited from operating if the heat index surpasses 110 degrees or if temperatures reach above 95 degrees.
