PANAMA CITY — Bay County Emergency Services and Rebuild Bay County will open a cooling shelter beginning Saturday, July 26, in anticipation of an incoming heatwave.
According to a press release issued late afternoon July 25, the shelter will be located at A.D. Harris Learning Village, 819 E. 11th St. The shelter will be open during the hottest part of the days through Aug. 1.
Hours of operation for the shelter:
+ 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 26 and July 27
+ 9 a.m.-5 p.m. July 28 and 29
+ 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 30-Aug. 1
How hot will it be in Panama City, Florida?
On July 26 and 27, the heat index is forecast to be up to 109 in Panama City. On July 28, the heat index is expected to be 116. On July 29, the heat index could go as high as 118.
“This is not run-of-the-mill summer heat,” the Bay County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post. “This is what is called ‘dangerous heat.’ Be careful!”
Bay County emergency services will monitor weather forecasts and determine activation thresholds based on updated temperatures guidelines.
“Anyone seeking refuge from the heat can show up during the hours of operation,” the press release says. “The shelter is intended for people who are homeless or who cannot maintain a comfortable temperature in their homes, who can care for themselves, and who are not at risk to themselves or others.”
What is not allowed at the cooling shelter in Panama City, Florida?
+ “No person who is disoriented, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or unable to walk unaided due to intoxication will be admitted,” the release says.
+ No alcohol
+ No drugs or drug paraphernalia
+ No guns or weapons
Water bottles will be provided. Text DONATE to (850) 783-4311 or visit the Rebuild Bay County website at rebuildbaycounty.org to make a monetary donation.
What to do when it’s so hot?
According to the National Weather Service:
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.”
@dcsmith@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: With intense, dangerous heat coming, Bay County opens a cooling shelter July 26-Aug. 1
Reporting by DeonTay Smith, Panama City News Herald / The News Herald
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
