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RICHLAND COUNTY (WACH) - The Columbia-Richland Fire Department has set-up cooling stations to provide relief to residents from record heat conditions in the Midlands.

The cooling stations have been open for one week and will operate seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. while the heat index is at least 90 degrees.

Chief Aubrey Jenkins warns that heat injuries are dangerous. Those who work or play outside should take breaks and drink plenty of fluids.

Cooling Station Locations: 

Owens Field, 1351 Jim Hamilton Blvd (next to the concession stand and skate park)

Rosewood Park, 901 South Holly St (near the playground)

Hyatt Park, 950 Jackson Ave (beside the park building)

Martin Luther King (MLK) Park, 2300 Greene St (corner of Greene & Pendleton Streets)

Finlay Park, 930 Laurel Street (2 located near the playground and 1 on the far side of the pond, on the walkway)

Riverfront Park, 312 Laurel St (1 at the Williams Street entrance and 1 on the pathway near the park ranger office

Gable Oaks Apartment, 901 Colleton St (near the playground)

Jenkins encourages the community to follow these heat safety tips:

Heat Safety Tips:

- During the hottest hours of the day, stay inside. If possible stay inside an air-conditioned building.
- During the hottest summer months the CDC recommends visiting elderly family or friends twice a day.
- Get to know the neighbors – isolated elderly adults are at a much higher risk of heat related health problems and death.
- Supervise children – children rely on adults to tell them when to come inside, when to drink water, and what sort of clothing to wear. - It doesn’t take long for a child’s small body to become overheated.
- Dress lightly and when sleeping uses lightweight breathable covers.
- Drink plenty of water.
- People who live in homes with no air conditioning should keep blinds closed from morning until the late afternoon to block extra direct heat from sunlight. Also, stay on the lowest level of your home.
- Never ever leave a child or pet in the car while you run to do a quick errand.

For more information, click here.

For information on heat warnings, click here.