Wake County opened multiple cooling stations this month in response to high temperatures. | Stock Photo
Wake County opened multiple cooling stations this month in response to high temperatures. | Stock Photo
Cooling stations opened earlier this month as heating index values topped the triple digits, Wake County officials said in a press release.
The temporary stations aimed to serve those who didn't have a place to cool off in the high heat.
The locations included Swinburne Building, Eastern Regional Center, Northern Regional Center, and Southern Regional Center, county officials said. Each location opened at 11 a.m. and Northern Regional Center closes at 4 p.m. while the others close an hour later.
"More people in the United States die each year from extreme heat exposure than from any other weather-related cause," Wake County Manager David Ellis said in the release. "Even during the pandemic, we still want to provide relief for our residents."
The cooling stations also comply with COVID-19 guidelines as everyone has to wear a face mask, get their temperature taken and follow social distancing rules. Those who don't won't be permitted to use the station.
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