Actions

As hot weather continues, Tri-State groups focus on helping vulnerable people beat the heat

A heat advisory is prompting agencies to activate cooling shelters across the Tri-State. In Cincinnati, city officials sent out a tweet Wednesday reminding residents to utilize the cities recreation commission centers as a place to cool down.

By: Whitney Miller

Posted

Hot weather in the Tri-State is prompting agencies to activate cooling shelters across the area. In Cincinnati, city officials sent out a tweet Wednesday reminding residents to utilize the city's recreation commission centers as a place to cool down.

The Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky is offering a cooling location for people experiencing homelessness in Covington. The shelter offers immediate entry of for adults whether they want to stay cool during the day or need a place to stay overnight.

“On a day like today we have folks stopping by because of the heat,” said John Clancy, ESNKY development director. “Normally we open our doors for people who want to spend the night at 6 p.m., but you will see they start lining up around 1 p.m. in the afternoon or 2 p.m. to try to get a bed for the night because it’s so hot.”

Clancy said extreme temperatures like heat and cold weather can put the homeless population at risk. That's why the agency offers free showers, food and a place to do laundry. The shelter opened a new larger facility earlier this year and Clancy said it allowed them to serve more guests.

“It allowed us to double our size, so we have 68 beds that we can work with folks on and we have a great number of resources and a health care center that's staffed four nights a week,” he said.

During the hottest parts of the day, it will be dangerous to be outside for long periods of time.

Here's what you can do to stay safe:

Stay well hydrated;
Give your body a break from the heat, especially in the afternoon;
Remember that the effects of the heat on your body build overtime;
Check on your elderly neighbors and;
Do not leave pets outside or locked inside vehicles.

Here is a list of cooling centers across the Tri-State:

Hamilton County —

Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County branches (call 513 369-6900 to make sure your branch is open)
Cincinnati Recreation Centers (call 513-352-400 to make sure your branch is open)
YMCA of Greater Cincinnati
Miami Township Administration

Warren County —