With temperatures expected to reach dangerous levels, the City of Savannah and partner organizations are providing cooling centers and other facilities for residents on Thursday, August 14. The National Weather Service has forecast heat index values between 106 and 111 degrees, prompting a heat advisory from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Officials are urging residents to take precautions during the advisory period. Recommendations include staying hydrated, remaining in air-conditioned spaces, avoiding direct sunlight, and checking on family members and neighbors. Authorities also remind residents that children and pets should not be left unattended in vehicles.
People who must work or spend time outdoors are advised to drink cool water regularly, even if they do not feel thirsty. For those engaged in extended outdoor activity, consuming beverages with electrolytes and taking breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas is recommended. When possible, strenuous activities should be scheduled for early morning or evening hours, and lightweight clothing is encouraged.
To help residents stay cool, several city community centers will operate as cooling centers from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., including Moses Jackson Center at 1410 Richards St., Windsor Forest Regional Center at 414 Briarcliff Circle, W.W. Law Regional Center at 900 E. Bolton St., Tompkins Regional Center at 2333 Ogeechee Road, and John S. Delaware Regional Center at 1815 Lincoln St.
City pools at Daffin Park (1301 E. Victory Dr.), W.W. Law Regional Center (900 E. Bolton St.), and Tompkins Regional Center (2333 Ogeechee Road) will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Additionally, city splashpads across various parks—including Hudson Hill (2227 Hudson St.), Hull Park (55th and Atlantic Ave.), Crusader Community Center (81 Coffee Bluff Villa Rd.), Forrest Hills (Skidaway and Berkshire Rd.), Avondale Park (Texas and Ohio Ave.), Victory Heights Park (E 42nd St and Taskin Ave.), Savannah Gardens (516 Pennsylvania Ave.), Forsyth Park (10 Whitaker St.), Tatemville Community Center (333 Coleman St.), and Montgomery Cross Road (401 W. Montgomery Crossroads)—will operate from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.
For people experiencing homelessness, services are available through Union Mission at 120 Fahm St., Come As You Are at 1901 Pennsylvania Ave., The Salvation Army at 3100 Montgomery St., as well as outreach by the CSAH Outreach Team between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; assistance can be requested by calling 912-784-1794.
The City is also enforcing its equine heat safety ordinance affecting local tour companies operating horse-drawn carriages: “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,” according to city officials. “Horses can either be kept at their stands to keep cool or return to their stables if they can safely do so.” All local carriage tour businesses have received reminders about these regulations from the Office of Special Events, Film, and Tourism.
