How to beat the heat

With temperatures soaring to the high 90’s for the next several days, Lawrence County Emergency Management Director Travis Hughes has announced that cooling stations has opened at the Lawrence County Community Center (across from the high school), Fallsburg Community Center, and Blaine Community Center. There will be cold water at each station. If help is needed you can call 9-1-1.

The Louisa City Pool is also open Monday thru Saturday. Call 606-244-5220 for hours and information.

Paintsville/Johnson County Emergency Management Director Gary McClure said in a statement that the Johnson County Fiscal Court and the City of Paintsville, in partnership with Frontier Behavioral Health, has opened a cooling center at 236 College Street in Paintsville to provide relief from extreme heat. The center will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and will continue to operate daily throughout the duration of the heatwave.

To support community safety during this period of high temperatures, Paintsville/Johnson County Emergency Management has placed all volunteer fire departments on standby to assist with any localized power outages or heat-related emergencies.

For more information, please contact 606-789-2260.

As always, in the event of an emergency, call 911.

When speaking with Clyde Adams with the Martin County Emergency Management he stated that no cooling centers are open at this time, but you can check their Facebook page for future updates or call 606-298-2088 or 911 for help.

According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, WV, heat index values are forecast to reach 100 to 110 degrees expected thru Friday, June 27. Heat advisories and extreme heat warnings have been issued. Overnight lots are forecast to be in the 70’s.

What to do to beat the extreme heat, know the signs of heat illness, avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, use sunscreen, find a cool shelter, stay well hydrated (drink water constantly), wear light, loose fitting clothing and rest often.

Never leave children or pets in hot vehicles as car interiors can reach deadly temperatures in a matter of minutes, and be a good neighbor, check in on the elderly in your area.

For information on heat and safety check out weather.gov/safety/heat.