As I’m sure you’ve noticed, it’s a little toasty outside.
We are in the midst of a heat wave and that means that people all across the city are looking for ways to cool down.
While it could be tempting to hit up a local pool, take a dip in a lake, or float around in a lazy river, it’s the kind of weather that you should really try to avoid altogether.
If the air conditioner at your home can’t keep up, you don’t have ac at all, or you are experiencing a power outage, there are plenty of places around the city where you can stop in and cool down.
All 23 air-conditioned Columbus Library locations are open to the public all day and they provide comfortable seating, and public computers with Internet access, free WiFi, and a collection of great books and magazines.
During extreme heat events, the city offers cooling centers at Community Recreation facilities. Barnett, Beatty, Douglas, Glenwood, and Marion Franklin centers are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Thursday, June 16. All other community centers are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Additionally, Dodge, Driving Park, Glenwood, Lincoln, and Tuttle pools are open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and admission is free. For more info about cooling off at Recreation and Parks facilities, visit columbusrecparks.com/wellness/keep-cool-with-us.
According to the CDC, here are some tips for staying cool during heat waves:
- Drink plenty of water. Do not wait until you are thirsty.
- Stay inside in air conditioning whenever possible. If you do not have an air conditioner, use movie theatres, malls, libraries and other public places that are cool.
- Avoid beverages with alcohol, caffeine, and sugar because they will dehydrate you.
- Eat light meals.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and a hat.
- Stay in the shade.
- Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
