City of Orlando Opens Cooling Center to Combat Extreme Heat.

With temperatures expected to remain high in coming weeks, the City of Orlando, in partnership with First United Methodist Church of Orlando (FUMCO), has opened a cooling center to provide relief and a safe environment for vulnerable populations who face unique challenges during heatwaves. Extreme heat, which often extends into the evening and nighttime hours, poses significant health risks such as dehydration and heat stroke. For those without shelter, finding a cool place to rest and hydrate becomes critical to their well-being.

Each week, the city will coordinate with participating locations based on anticipated extreme heat days when the heat index is expected to exceed 103 degrees.

• Location: First United Methodist Church of Orlando (FUMCO), 42 East Jackson Street.
• Operating Hours: The cooling centers will be open from 12 - 4 p.m., Sunday through Friday on extreme heat days and will continue to operate through September as long as high temperatures persist.
• Services Available: Visitors accessing these centers will have a safe, air-conditioned space, restrooms, disability access, seating areas and drinking water.

In addition, Downtown Ambassadors will be on out in the community providing water and helping inform those needing shelter about the extreme heat conditions and the location of the cooling center.

The city is committed to enhancing everyone’s quality of life through proactive measures like the cooling center initiative to further ensure the safety and comfort of all residents during this challenging weather period.

Cooling Center.Photo byCity Of Orlando