With heat index values expected to reach as high as 115 degrees, the City of Savannah is working with partner agencies to offer cooling spaces for residents on Monday, July 28. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory that will remain in effect until 8 PM.
City officials are urging people to stay hydrated, remain in air-conditioned areas, avoid direct sunlight, and check on neighbors and relatives. Residents are reminded not to leave young children or pets unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Those who work or spend time outdoors are advised to take extra precautions, reschedule strenuous activities for cooler parts of the day, and wear lightweight clothing.
Several community centers will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., including locations at 1815 Lincoln St., Moses Jackson Center (1410 Richards St.), Tompkins Regional Center (2333 Ogeechee Road), Windsor Forest Community Center (308 Briarcliff Rd), and W.W. Law Regional Center (900 E. Bolton St.).
City pools will have extended hours at Bowles C. Ford (1900 Stiles Ave.), Daffin (1301 E. Victory Dr.), Tompkins (2333 Ogeechee Road), and W.W. Law (900 E. Bolton St.). Splashpads across the city—including Hudson Hill, Hull Park, Crusader Park, Forrest Hills, Avondale Park, Victory Heights Park, Savannah Gardens, Forsyth Park, Tatemville, and Montgomery Crossroads—will also be available.
To support people experiencing homelessness during the heat advisory period, several service providers will be open: Union Mission at 120 Fahm St. from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Come As You Are at 1900 Pennsylvania Ave. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Salvation Army at 3100 Montgomery St. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The CSAH Outreach Team can provide assistance between 8:30 a.m. and 9 p.m., reachable by phone at 912-784-1794.
The city is also enforcing its equine heat safety ordinance due to the extreme temperatures affecting local tour companies operating horse-drawn carriages. Under these rules, when the heat index surpasses 110 degrees or actual temperature reaches 95 degrees, horses cannot operate on city streets and must either stay at their stands or return safely to their stables if possible. “The Office of Special Events, Film, and Tourism enforces these rules and all local horse carriage tour businesses have received reminders of the rules.”
“Residents are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sunshine, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.”
“Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening and wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing when possible.”
