Just in time for Fourth of July weekend, sky-high temperatures and humidity have arrived in Wake County. The National Weather Service predicts heat indices well over 100 degrees starting this week and persisting through the holiday weekend. Wake County will open cooling stations starting Wednesday, July 1, and running through at least Monday, July 6.

“Look out for your friends and neighbors during this heat wave, especially those who may be vulnerable to extreme heat,” said Darshan Patel, Wake County Emergency Management operations manager. “During Fourth of July festivities, make sure everyone stays safe by hydrating, seeking out shade and taking breaks in public, air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.”

Wake County activates cooling stations during prolonged periods of extreme high temperatures, which is defined as:

• Three consecutive days with heat index values of more than 100
• Heat Advisory (Heat Index 105–109) for two consecutive days
• Excessive Heat Warning (Heat Index >= 110) for any period
   

While many Wake County buildings will be closed during the holiday weekend, residents are encouraged to drop into other public spaces to cool down if needed. Examples include malls and shopping centers, public pools and recreation centers, movie theaters and grocery stores.

Cooling Station Schedule

Wake County Public Libraries
Wednesday–Friday and Sunday–Monday

Note that Wake County Public Libraries will be closed July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Closing times for libraries vary, so visitors should check online or call their local library for site-specific information.

Regional Centers and Health and Human Services Centers
Wednesday–Thursday and Monday, 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m.:

Note that Health and Human Services locations will be closed July 3 in observance of Independence Day.

Sites that are not normally open to the public, such as EMS stations, fire stations and county fleet maintenance buildings, will not be available as cooling stations.

Cool for Wake

Cool for Wake is a seasonal program that provides free fans and air conditioning units to eligible residents during the summer months.

Households without air conditioning where a child, older adult or person with a disability live are eligible for help.

Visit wake.gov/coolforwake to learn more. Call 919-212-7083 or email CoolForWake@wake.gov to get connected.

Staying Safe in Extreme Heat

Adults older than 65, children younger than 4, people with existing medical conditions and those without access to air conditioning are at the greatest risk on days with high temperatures.

To stay safe and cool during extreme heat, residents are encouraged to:

• Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
• Familiarize themselves with the medical conditions that can result from overexposure to heat, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat and take frequent breaks.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.