Extreme Heat: Residents Urged to Take Precautions to Avoid Heat-related Illness
With extreme high temperatures and heat indices forecast June 23-25, Charlotte-Mecklenburg government agencies and partners are activating additional resources to assist vulnerable residents. Public Health recommends that residents take extra precautions as heat-related illness can be more severe as the body temperature rises:
- Limit physical activity outside
- Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol use
- Stay cool in shaded areas outside or with fans or air-conditioning inside
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes outside
High-risk groups include:
- People over 65
- Infants and children
- Pregnant women
- People with heart or lung conditions
- People who work outdoors
- People who live in urban areas
Heat illness can be dangerous, but it is preventable with the right precautions and reversible with the right treatment. Learn more about how to manage extreme heat from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Residents can also download this heat-related infographic highlighting signs, symptoms, and useful guidance.
Resources Available June 23-25
Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office, and homeless service providers work together to monitor the weather, support the needs of the community and address needs that may arise due to the extreme heat.
The Charlotte Area Transit System will provide free transportation to the day services centers, recreation centers, senior centers, and spraygrounds listed below, which are designated as cooling stations.
Day Services Centers: There are multiple centers available for people who are living unsheltered:
- Roof Above’s Day Services Center, 945 N College St, Charlotte
- 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
- 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
- Block Love Charlotte’s Day Services Center, 2738 N Graham St., Charlotte
- 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
- 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
- The Relatives: On Ramp (young adults ages 18-24), 2219 Freedom Dr., Charlotte
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Closed weekends and holidays.
Outreach staff will visit homeless encampments to provide information about available places to find relief locations and water if needed.
Recreation and Senior Centers
The following recreation and senior centers are open to residents seeking relief from the heat:
- David B. Waymer Recreation Center, 14008 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville
- Eastway Regional Recreation Center, 3150 Eastway Park Drive, Charlotte
- Ivory/Baker Recreation Center, 1920 Stroud Park Court, Charlotte
- Northern Regional Recreation Center, 18121 Old Statesville Road, Cornelius
- Revolution Park Sports Academy, 1225 Remount Road, Charlotte
- Tyvola Senior Center, 2225 Tyvola Road, Charlotte
Recreation and Senior Center locations and hours of operation are available online.
Spraygrounds, Pools and Beach
The following spraygrounds are also available for use from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily:
- Clarks Creek Community Park, 5435 Hucks Road
- Captain Jack, Elizabeth Park, 1100 East Trade St.
- Cordelia Park, 600 East 24th St.
- First Ward Park, 301 East Seventh St.
- Latta Park, 601 East Park Ave.
- Nevin Park, 6100 Statesville Road
- Romare Bearden Park, 300 South Church St.
- West Charlotte Recreation Center, 2401 Kendall Drive
- Veterans Park, 2136 Central Ave.
These outdoor water attractions are also available:
- Double Oaks Family Aquatic Center, 2014 Statesville Ave, is open noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
- Cordelia Pool, 2100 North Davidson St., is open noon to 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
- Ramsey Creek Beach, 18441 Nantz Road, is open noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries:
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library locations are generally open to the public from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Mecklenburg County Fan Initiatives:
Mecklenburg County DSS Child, Family, and Adult Services is helping seniors and adults who receive disability income by offering free box fans. Mecklenburg County residents 60 years and older and adults ages 18 to 59 who are disabled can pick up a fan while supplies last. Call 980-314-6800 or email [email protected].
Individuals are required to show a valid driver's license or state ID providing proof of age and a current Mecklenburg County address when picking up their fan. Limit one fan per person.
Energy Bill Assistance:
Individuals and families in Mecklenburg County who are experiencing a cooling (or heating) energy bill-related crisis, a life-threatening or health-related emergency, and have a past due or final notice can apply for energy bill assistance through the Crisis Intervention Program. Details on the program, including criteria and applications, are available at MeckNC.gov/Energy or by calling 704-336-3000. Assistance is available year-round or until all funds are exhausted.
Members of the public may also call 211 to receive the latest information regarding home utility and rental assistance options.
How to Help
Residents can reach out to one of Mecklenburg County’s many partners to learn how and what to donate to help the homeless community: