With heat index values forecasted to reach between 112 and 116 degrees, the City of Savannah is opening multiple facilities for residents to stay cool. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an extreme heat warning in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday, July 31.
The NWS advises people to avoid direct sunlight during such warnings. Residents are encouraged to drink fluids, stay in air-conditioned areas, avoid sunshine, and check on neighbors and relatives. The guidance also reminds that children and pets should not be left unattended in vehicles.
Outdoor workers are advised to take extra precautions: drinking cool water every 20 minutes, using beverages with electrolytes for long jobs outside, taking breaks in shade or air conditioning, rescheduling strenuous activities for cooler parts of the day, and wearing lightweight clothing.
The following City community centers will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Moses Jackson Center (1410 Richards St.), Windsor Forest Regional Center (414 Briarcliff Circle), W.W. Law Regional Center (900 E. Bolton St.), Tompkins Regional Center (2333 Ogeechee Road), and John S. Delaware Regional Center (1815 Lincoln St.).
City pools at Bowles C. Ford, Daffin Park, W.W. Law Community Center, and Tompkins Regional Center will operate from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., then from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Splashpads at Hudson Hill, Hull Park, Crusader Community Center, Forrest Hills, Avondale Park, Victory Heights Park, Savannah Gardens, Forsyth Park, Tatemville Community Center, and Montgomery Cross Road will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
To assist persons experiencing homelessness during the extreme heat event:
– Union Mission (120 Fahm St.) will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
– Come As You Are (1901 Pennsylvania Ave.) is open from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
– The Salvation Army (3100 Montgomery St.) operates from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
The CSAH Outreach Team is available between 8:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; assistance can be requested by calling 912-784-1794.
The City continues active enforcement of its equine heat safety ordinance affecting horse-drawn carriage tour companies: “When the heat index exceeds 110 degrees (or when the actual temperature reaches 95 degrees), horse-drawn carriages shall not be allowed to operate on City streets.” Horses may remain at their stands or return safely to stables as needed; all local tour businesses have received reminders about these regulations.
