Maine Cooling Centers Offer Respite From the Dangerous Heat

With temperatures rising to dangerous levels, Mainers can find some relief this week at these community cooling centers.

Maine Heat Wave Will Cause Dangerous Conditions This Week

Hazy, very hot, and very humid is the forecast for the first part of the week, and Mainers are being advised to take precautions to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

If you must be outside this week, drink plenty of water, stay in the shade as much as possible, and take frequent breaks in an air-conditioned room or vehicle.

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Save the jogging or long walks for dusk, which is also the best time to walk pets. Let your dog walk on the grass as much as possible to avoid burning their pads, and have water available to help them cool off.

Maine Heat Wave is Prompting Municipalities to Open Cooling Centers

Many Maine municipalities have set up cooling centers, where people who don't have access to air-conditioning can get some relief. Grab a book and some snacks and head to where it's cool.

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In Bangor, there are several locations available:

• Bangor Public Library on Harlow Street
• Brick Church on Union Street
• Together Place on 2nd Street
• Manna on Center Street
• Needlepoint Sanctuary at the Universalist Unitarian Church on Park Street

In addition, there are sprinklers on the Bangor waterfront, a splash pad on the Davis Road, Dakin Pool, and the Beth Pancoe Aquatic Center.

Many other municipalities have cooling centers, and that list can be found on the Maine Emergency Management Agency's website. If you don't see one near you, contact your local law enforcement office or town/city hall for information.

Movie theaters, retail stores, and restaurants are always good options, as well.

Maine Heat Wave Could Be Dangerous to Elderly Residents and Shut-Ins

These types of temperatures can be especially dangerous for Maine's elderly population, so check on your senior relatives, neighbors, and shut-ins who can't escape the heat. If they don't have air-conditioning, see if you can find a place where they can spend some time and stay safe.