With the National Weather Service forecasting heat index values up to 111 degrees, the City of Savannah and several partner organizations are opening public facilities to help residents stay cool on Tuesday, July 29.
A heat advisory from the National Weather Service is in effect from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Residents are advised to drink fluids, remain in air-conditioned spaces, avoid direct sunlight, and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbors. The city also reminds everyone that children and pets should not be left unattended in vehicles.
Those who work or spend time outdoors are encouraged to take extra precautions by rescheduling strenuous activities for early morning or evening hours and wearing lightweight clothing.
The following community centers will serve as cooling centers from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Delaware Center (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 at Bowles C. Ford, Daffin, Tompkins, and W.W. Law will operate with extended hours from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and again from 3 p.m.–6 p.m.
Splashpads across Savannah—including Hudson Hill, Hull Park, Crusader Park, Forrest Hills, Avondale Park, Victory Heights Park, Savannah Gardens, Forsyth Park, Tatemville, and Montgomery Crossroads—will be open from 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
For those experiencing homelessness, Union Mission (120 Fahm St., open 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.), Come As You Are (1900 Pennsylvania Ave., open 9 a.m.–4 p.m.), and Salvation Army (3100 Montgomery St., open 9 a.m.–5 p.m.) will provide services throughout the day. The CSAH Outreach Team can be reached for assistance between 8:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. at 912-784-1794.
The city is also enforcing its equine heat safety ordinance for horse-drawn carriage operations during extreme temperatures. According to the city’s policy: “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 can either be kept at their stands to keep cool or return to their stables if they can safely do so.” The Office of Special Events, Film, and Tourism is responsible for enforcement of these rules; all local horse carriage tour businesses have been reminded of them.
