June 17, 2023 | From City of New Orleans
City of New Orleans Opens Emergency Cooling Centers As Excessive Heat Warning Continues
NEW ORLEANS —The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for the second consecutive day on Saturday, June 17. The weather forecast indicates that high humidity levels will result in heat index values – that is, temperatures that “feel like” degrees in New Orleans – of 108-116 degrees, while overnight heat indices range between 86-93 degrees.
EMERGENCY COOLING CENTERS
In coordination with the New Orleans Health Department and New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the City of New Orleans is coordinating the use of three New Orleans Recreation Development facilities as “emergency cooling centers” that allow individuals to seek respite from the dangerously hot temperatures. The following locations will be available from Sunday and Monday, June 18-19, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.:
- Joe Brown Recreation Center, 5601 Read Blvd.
- Rosenwald Recreation Center, 1120 S. Broad Ave.
- Morris FX Jeff Park, 2529 General Meyer Ave.
HYDRATION STATIONS
NOLA Ready is working with the New Orleans Fire Department to set-up hydration stations in areas with limited resources. Individuals in need of water and sunscreen are encouraged to stop by the following locations from Saturday-Monday, June 17-19, between 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.:
- NOFD Engine 10, 14069 Morrison Rd.
- NOFD Squirt 04, 6900 Downman Rd.
- NOFD Engine 17, 4115 Woodland Dr.
- NOFD Engine 8, 3300 Florida Blvd.
NOLA Ready also seeks volunteers to run the hydration station operation. Shifts are four hours each (11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.). More information can be found at ready.nola.gov/
NOLA READY HEAT RELIEF MAP
Earlier this week, the City of New Orleans launched the NOLA Ready Heat Relief Map, which can be found at ready.nola.gov. This interactive map lists locations with free water and free, indoor air-conditioned locations for the general public. Individuals in need of heat relief should check this interactive map for updated information on hydration stations or cooling centers.
Businesses or organizations that are willing to act as a free community cooling site should email ready@nola.gov with the address, dates, and hours to be added to the map.
HEAT RELIEF RESOURCES FOR SUNDAY, JUNE 18
Individuals seeking refuge during the daytime may visit the following locations on Sunday, June 18:
- Joe Brown Recreation Center is open Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (5601 Read Blvd)
- Rosenwald Recreation Center is open Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (1120 S. Broad Ave)
- Morris FX Jeff Park is open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (2529 General Meyer Ave)
- OHL Sobering Center is open 24/7 (732 N Claiborne Ave)
- Abramson Sci Academy is open Sunday with limited capacity from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (5552 Read Blvd)
For Unhoused Individuals:
- Ozanam Inn has a cooling area from 5:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. daily (2239 Poydras St)
- New Orleans Women & Children's Shelter will be open 9am-5pm, Friday-Monday, June 16-19
- The New Orleans Mission will open their Day Center as a cooling site and provide water 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, June 15-18
- Grace at the Greenlight will be open 6:30 a.m. - 7:15 a.m. daily and will have water on hand
SUSPENSION OF SERVICE DISCONNECTIONS
Entergy New Orleans does not disconnect on days that the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, which is expected to last through June 20, 2023. Residents can call 1-800-ENTERGY to report outages. The Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) will also suspend shut offs for delinquent accounts on Friday, June 16 through Monday, June 19 due to the Juneteenth holiday. Please call 52-WATER to report any water or sewer emergencies.
SAFETY TIPS
These hot temperatures can become life-threatening if the proper precautions are not taken. Residents can visit weatherwise.nola.gov to find localized updates on weather conditions when considering outdoor activities. Residents are advised to take the following precautions to prevent health emergencies due to overexposure to extreme heat:
- Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside
- When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening
- Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
- Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible
- To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments
- Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1
- Children and pets should never be left unattended in a vehicle. Even in 70-degree weather, the interior temperature of a vehicle can increase rapidly to over 100 degrees in just 20 minutes. Cracking a window does not help
- Leaving a child or pet unattended in a vehicle often leads to a life-threatening emergency. Anyone who sees a child or animal unattended in a vehicle is urged to call 9-1-1 immediately
For more city updates or information about heat-related illnesses and tips on staying cool, please visit ready.nola.gov/
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