RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – The City of Richmond is opening several cooling shelters to the public Tuesday as a result of high heat and humidity. Afternoon heat index values should climb in the 100 to 105 degree range, with actual afternoon high temperatures in the mid to upper 90s. The Office of the Press Secretary to the Mayor made the announcement Tuesday morning, saying bottled water will be available for free, but you should bring your own snacks if you want to eat. Pets are not allowed in these facilities, unless they are service animals.
City cooling shelters will open at Noon Tuesday, and remain open until 5 p.m. during the dangerously hot time of the day. Locations that will be open are:
● Southside Community Service Center, 4100 Hull Street Road
● Department of Social Services, 900 East Marshall Street
● East District Center, 701 North 25th Street
Richmond procedure is to make free cooling shelters available when either the air temperature or the heat index reaches at least the 95 degree mark.
If you have any questions about these cooling stations, you can call the Department of Social Services Fuel Assistance Office at (804) 646-7046. If you are or know of any elderly residents with heat related concerns, you can call the Adult Protective Service Unit at (804) 646-0501.
Meteorologist Carrie Rose
