The City of Alexandria is offering cooling centers to community members, following a hazardous heat forecast issued by the National Weather Service. Temperatures are expected to be over 100 degrees Thursday through Saturday.

Cooling Centers

Cooling centers are offered at the following recreation centers. Visit the Recreation Centers page for full business hours.

• Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe St.)
• Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center (25 West Reed Ave.)
• Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Ave.) 
• Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Ave.)
• William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Ave.)

In addition, the following Alexandria Library branches are open Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m.to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

• Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library (5005 Duke St.)
• Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library (717 Queen St.)
• Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library (4701 Seminary Rd.),
• James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library (2501 Commonwealth Ave.)
  • Local History/Special Collections Branch is open Monday to Wednesday, from 10 a.m.- 8 p.m, closed on Thursday, open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and closed on Sunday.

Heat and Safety Tips

Prolonged exposure to hot temperatures and high humidity can cause heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, cramps or, in extreme cases, heat stroke. It is especially important for individuals with underlying health issues to take extra precautions and plan ahead for this and future excessive heat events.

Take these measures during hot temperatures:

• Stay indoors and limit exposure to the sun.

• Drink plenty of fluids. Drink more water than usual, and don’t wait to be thirsty to drink.
• Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
• Do not leave infants, children, people with medical conditions, or pets in a parked car even if the windows are cracked or even for short periods of time.
• Monitor people around you, including co-workers, neighbors, and friends, for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
• Learn what you can do if you are concerned about someone who is homeless.

Additional assistance is available for adults 60 years of age and older through the City’s Senior Cool Care Program, which provides cooling fans and other assistance to seniors who meet income and other guidelines. Call 703.746.5999 to find out if you are eligible.

Visit the City’s website for cooling options throughout the summer, assistance paying cooling bills, heat safety information, recreation center operating hours and locations, and library operating hours and locations.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, email genevieve.babecki@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3961.

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