The National Weather Service has extended its heat advisory through Wednesday with temperatures forecast to be in the 90s every day.
The Columbus Department of Recreation and Parks is opening up five cooling centers at regional community centers starting on Tuesday. The cooling centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The cooling centers will be at the following locations:
- Dodge Community Center, 667 Sullivant Ave., 43215
- Driving Park Community Center, 1100 Rhoads Ave., 43206
- Glenwood Community Center, 1888 Fairmont Ave., 43223
- Linden Community Center, 1350 Briarwood Ave., 43211
- Marion Franklin Community Center, 2801 Lockbourne Road, 43207
Other community centers will offer people a break from the heat and will be open during normal hours with regularly scheduled summer camps, activities, and classes. Libraries will also be open and free to anyone trying to beat the heat.
Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is waiving bus fees through Wednesday.
In a press release issued Saturday, COTA said: 鈥淐OTA offers this community service to encourage those who need to reduce exposure to extreme temperatures to have a safe and reliable means of transportation to get to facilities that will provide relief, including warming and cooling centers, libraries, recreation centers, and other places of shelter.鈥�
Additionally, public pools in Columbus will waive their $1 fee starting on June 24 and this will last until the heat subsides. Pools will be open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Spray grounds are also free and will be open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Columbus Public Health says any seniors who need fans to help cool off, should contact LifeCare Alliance at 614-278-3130.
Health officials also want everyone to continue drinking water, remain in air conditioned spaces, eat light meals, stay away from dehydrating beverages, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothes and avoid strenuous activity.
Citizens are also encouraged to make sure children and pets aren鈥檛 stuck in hot cars and that everyone knows the signs of
