Fulton Opens Cooling Centers for Seniors

Fulton County’s Housing and Human Services Department, Office of Aging is opening Cooling Centers today, June 29 to seniors in need of a cooler environment to ensure their health and safety during days when temperatures are expected to rise as high as 100 degrees or more.

Neighborhood senior centers such as the and the Crabapple Government building will be open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday during dangerously high temperatures. You might also try Alpharetta's , though it is not part of the program. It is open Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The four Senior Multipurpose facilities – including the Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Center in Sandy Springs – will be open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday to seniors living in Fulton County.

Any residents without air conditioning are urged to visit one of the four Senior Multipurpose Facilities or a Neighborhood Senior facility during dangerously high temperatures. A partial listing of centers follows, but the complete list can be found online on the Fulton County Office of Aging's website. Or call the Fulton County STARline at 404-613-6000.

, 770-751-9397

, 770-640-1583

, 404-705-4900

The Atlanta Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA) offers the following tips to cope with extreme heat:

1. Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
2. Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
3. Familiarize yourself with the medical conditions that can result from over-exposure to heat, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke to help lessen health threats and harm.
4. Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
5. Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
6. Make sure pets have plenty of water and shade.  Be careful to not over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it's extremely hot.

Closely monitor a local radio station, TV station or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest information on excessive heat watches and warnings.  For more information about .Emergency Preparedness in Fulton County, contact AFCEMA at 404-730-5600.