With heat index values forecasted to reach between 108 and 112 degrees, the City of Savannah is taking steps to help residents manage extreme temperatures. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Wednesday, July 30, from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.
City officials are advising residents to drink fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces, avoid direct sunlight, and check on relatives and neighbors. They also warn that young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles. Those who work or spend time outdoors are encouraged to reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours and wear lightweight clothing.
To provide relief from the heat, several community centers will serve as cooling centers from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., including Moses Jackson Center at 1410 Richards St., Tompkins Regional Center at 2333 Ogeechee Road, Windsor Forest Regional Center at 414 Briarcliff Circle, W.W. Law Regional Center at 900 E. Bolton St., and John S. Delaware Regional Center at 1815 Lincoln St.
City pools located at Bowles C. Ford (1900 Stiles Ave.), Daffin (1301 E. Victory Dr.), W.W. Law (900 E. Bolton St.), and Tompkins (2333 Ogeechee Road) will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., then again from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Additionally, splashpads across various parks—including Hudson Hill, Hull Park, Crusader Park, Forrest Hills, Avondale Park, Victory Heights Park, Savannah Gardens, Forsyth Park, Tatemville, and Montgomery Crossroads—will operate from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For individuals experiencing homelessness, local partners such as Union Mission (120 Fahm St.), Come As You Are (1901 Pennsylvania Ave.), and The Salvation Army (3100 Montgomery St.) will offer services during the day on July 30th.
The CSAH Outreach Team will also be available for assistance between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.; those needing help can call 912-784-1794.
The city is enforcing its equine heat safety ordinance due to the high temperatures expected on Wednesday: “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 guidelines. “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 enforces these rules; all local horse carriage tour businesses have received reminders about compliance with these ordinances.
