With a forecast of excessive heat later this week and early next week, Cumberland County and the city of Fayetteville will make several facilities available as cooling stations for people who do not have access to air conditioning.
The National Weather Service in Raleigh is forecasting high temperatures and heat indiceon Friday and through Monday, with indices as high as 109 degrees on Saturday. Cooling stations will be available in multiple locations on Thursday through Sunday. Days may be added depending on the forecast for next week.
The Cumberland County Department of Social Services, 1225 Ramsey St., will open the auxiliary lobby as a cooling station. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. All public lobbies will be available to the public. Masks or face coverings are encouraged for those with preexisting conditions.
The first-floor lobby of the Cumberland County Department of Public Health, 1235 Ramsey St., is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Masks or face coverings are required in some areas and immediately following a COVID-19 infection or close contact. People with preexisting conditions are encouraged to wear a mask or face covering.
All eight Cumberland County Public Library locations will be open as cooling stations. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Headquarters Library at 300 Maiden Lane and the Cliffdale, North Regional, and Hope Mills branches are also open from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday. To find your local library, go to cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/library-group/library.
The lobbies of Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation centers are open to the public year-round. Locations, hours, contact information and programming schedules are posted at fcpr.us/facilities/recreation-centers/.
The lobby of Fayetteville Area System of Transit, 505 Franklin St., is also open to the public. Hours are posted at fayettevillenc.gov/city-services/transit/about-fast/operating-hours-schedules
Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working outdoors. Cumberland County Emergency Services reminds residents to take precautions during the hot weather. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, avoid strenuous work, check on relatives and neighbors, and never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.