Cooling shelters in West Virginia and Ohio opening due to early summer heat wave

OHIO VALLEY — The first day of Summer is right around the corner, but Mother Nature is feeling generous and giving us a taste of summer heat early.

With temperatures expected to reach triple digits in the coming week, it’s important to take precautions and stay safe in the heat.

Do not leave kids or animals unattended in vehicles, and avoid leaving drinks or sodas in the vehicle as they may explode.

Car troubles, such as overheating due to a lack of radiator coolant, or even slick brakes due to exposure to extreme heat can also pose a risk.

To help combat heat stroke and exhaustion, facilities across the Ohio Valley are opening cooling shelters to help those who need a reprieve from the extreme heat.

WHEELING

The Salvation Army of Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel, and Tyler Counties will operate a cooling shelter in its Wheeling offices located at 140 16 ^th St. in Wheeling next week, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

With temperatures expected to hover around triple digits for most of the week, Lt. John Lawrence said that it is imperative that those without dependable shelter to have a place to escape the heat.

“We want to make sure that everyone in the community has a safe place to cool off and escape what appears to be an extremely hot week, no matter what their housing situation is. Our offices are air conditioned, and we will also have a large jug of ice water and light snacks.”

According to the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction (Oct 2023), extreme heat is the top killer among weather-related fatalities, and by many estimations, over 50% of those fatalities each year are attributed to those who are unhoused.

MARSHALL COUNTY

The Marshall County cooling shelters are “as needed, standby only” and will not be open within set hours. Residents are encouraged to stay with family and friends or visit a retail location if they need a cool place to go. If someone is in need of a cooling center, call the Marshall County Communication Center at 304-845-1920.

• Cameron VFD Community Hall
• Dallas VFD
• Fork Ridge VFD
• Glen Dale VFD Hall
• Moundsville VFD Hall
• Roberts Ridge VFD Community Hall
• St. Joseph VFD
• Limestone Presbyterian Church
• Benwood City Council Chambers (Mon-Fri daytime hours)
• Cameron City Council Chambers (Mon-Fri daytime hours)
• McMechen City Building (Mon-Fri daytime hours)

WETZEL COUNTY

Due to the planned power outage on Monday, June 17, and the predicted temperatures that day, Wetzel County officials will be opening cooling shelters during the outage. Officials are encouraging anyone that needs a cool place to go to take advantage of the shelters.

• Hundred VFD
• Wileyville VFD

BELMONT COUNTY

Belmont County cooling centers will be available for anyone needed to escape the extreme heat. Officials say to please call ahead so that arrangements may be made to open the center.

• Shekinah Church , 145 W. Main Street, Barnesville: 740-624-0612
• Bellaire Salvation Army , 315 – 37th Street, Bellaire: 740-676-6225
• Belmont Gym , 209 Brown Street, Belmont: 740-484-1989
• Belmont United Methodist Church , 129 W. Market Street, Belmont: 740-509-3040
• Bethesda Village Community Room , 103 S. Main Street, Bethesda: 740-582-1888
• Bridgeport Church of God , 859 National Road, Bridgeport: 513-266-0827
• Spirit of 76 Fire Department , 53890 Key-Bellaire Road, Bellaire: 740-676-7676
• Smith Township Fire Dept. , 46389 Firehouse Street, Centerville: 740-310-0944
• Colerain Fire Department , 72559 Colerain Road (SR250): 740-738-0263
• Flushing Fire Department , 104 E. High Street, Flushing: 740-968-4700 or 740-310-1964
• Holloway VFD Hall , Main Street, Holloway: 740-338-0593
• Grace Presbyterian Church , 7 North 4th Street, Martins Ferry: 740-633-2699
• Neffs United Methodist Church, 5407 Belmont Street, Neffs: 740-579-6069
• Church of the Nazarene , 100 SR7 South, Powhatan Point: 740-472-4105
• JB Martin Center , 102 Fair Street, St. Clairsville: 740-695-6327
• Village of Shadyside Community Center , 50 E. 39th Street, Shadyside: (door is open)
• Somerton Fire Department , 55717 Washington Street, Somerton: 740-391-9060
• Somerton United Methodist Church , 55400 Washington Street, Somerton: 740-391-9060
• Sunset Heights Fire Department , 69604 Sunset Heights (SR250): 740-827-6100
• Yorkville Fire Department , 139 Market Street, Yorkville: 740-381-9570 or 740-359-8370

Visitors are encouraged to take snacks, prescription medication, cell phone chargers, and any other necessities.

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