Walla Walla County opens cooling center, other places to go to beat the heat

WALLA WALLA CO., Wash. - The Walla Walla County Department of Community Health announced a cooling center will be open starting Friday in the City of Walla Walla.

The cooling center is at First Congregational Church, located at 73 South Palouse Street. It will open Friday, July 5 through Tuesday, July 9 from the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The cooling center opens when temperatures are at 105 degrees and hotter for at least two consecutive days. Nighttime temperatures that do not fall below 75 degrees also trigger the cooling center opening.

The space is air conditioned and free water and wifi will be provided.

Heat is the number one cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. While it can affect those who are in the most vulnerable population such as the elderly, infants and young children, people who are pregnant, those with chronic medical conditions and people taking certain medications, it can affect even those who are not considered in the risk population. These deaths can be avoided if people take the proper precautions.

• Increase your water intake during hot weather
• Avoid drinks that contain alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar
• Avoid very cold drinks, which can cause stomach cramps
• Avoid strenuous activity
• If you are outdoors or working in a place without air conditioning, take frequent breaks in shaded areas
• Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing

People should also know the signs of heat-related illnesses:

Other spaces open to cool off in Walla Walla County

So far, the only designated cooling center is the First Congregational Church, however, there are a few other places people can go to escape the heat:

Walla Walla

Walla Walla Public Library (Closed July 4)

• Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• Saturday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Washington Park Splash Pad

• Open daily, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Veteran's Memorial Pool

• Open daily, 6 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
• July 4, 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Bennington Lake

• Open daily, 5 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Cinemark Grand Cinemas

• Showtimes vary

Walla Walla Senior Center

• Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

City Parks

• Open daily from 5 a.m. - 11 p.m.

College Place

WWC Rural Library

• College Place Branch
• 1605 SE Meadowbrook Blvd, Suite 7
• Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Saturday - Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

City Parks

• Kiwanis Park
• Lions Park
• Harvest Meadows Park
• Veterans Park

Waitsburg

Preston Park Splash Pad

• 106 Main Street

Weller Public Library

• 212 Main Street
• Wednesday - Thursday, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
• Friday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Prescott

Prescott Public Pool

WWC Rural Library

• Prescott Branch
• 103 South D Street
• Tuesday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Friday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Saturday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Burbank/Wallula

Hood Park

• Lake Wallula, Snake River Mile 2.5, South River Bank
• 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

WWC Rural Library

• Burbank Branch
• 875 Lake Road
• Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Friday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
• Saturday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Charbonneau Park

• Lake Sacajawea, Sake River Mill 11, South River Bank
• 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Touchet

Touchet Park

• High School Road

WWC Rural Library

• Touchet Branch
• 161 Hanson Road
• Tuesday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Friday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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