With the National Weather Service forecasting heat index values between 107 and 111 degrees on Wednesday, the City of Savannah is opening several community facilities to provide relief for residents. A heat advisory will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday.
Officials urge residents to drink fluids, stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces, avoid direct sunlight, and check on neighbors and relatives during this period of high temperatures. The advisory also reminds families not to leave children or pets unattended in vehicles at any time.
Those who work outdoors are advised to take additional precautions, including drinking water every 20 minutes regardless of thirst, consuming beverages with electrolytes during extended outdoor activities, taking regular breaks in cool or shaded areas, rescheduling strenuous tasks for early morning or evening hours when possible, and wearing light, loose-fitting clothing.
To help the public stay cool, all city cooling centers and pools will be open Wednesday at designated times. Community centers such as 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.) will operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
City pools at Daffin Park (1301 E. Victory Dr.), W.W. Law Regional Center, and Tompkins Regional Center will be available from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., then again from 3 p.m.–6 p.m.
Savannah’s splashpads—including locations at 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 be open from 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
For individuals experiencing homelessness, Union Mission at 120 Fahm St., Come As You Are at 1901 Pennsylvania Ave., and The Salvation Army at 3100 Montgomery St. will offer services during daytime hours on Wednesday. The CSAH Outreach Team can provide assistance between 8:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; those needing help can call 912-784-1794.
The City is also enforcing its equine heat safety ordinance that restricts horse-drawn carriages when the heat index exceeds 110 degrees or if temperatures reach above 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Under these conditions, horses are not permitted to operate on city streets; they must remain at their stands or return safely to their stables as needed. The Office of Special Events, Film, and Tourism oversees compliance with these regulations among local carriage tour companies.
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