Cooling centers open as heat wave hits Mon Valley
There are several places to keep cool with temperatures set to rise well above 90 degrees.
The Pittsburgh area, along with much of the eastern United States, will experience scorching temperatures that are expected to rise above 90 degrees for most of the week.
The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh has issued a heat advisory for Western Pennsylvania, with heat index temperatures ranging from 98 to 105 degrees from today through Friday.
Warm and muggy conditions are expected each night, with minimum temperatures in the low to mid-70s.
In response, cooling centers are being opened in many municipalities throughout the region, including several in the Mon Valley.
Allegheny County
The county has activated a Code Red heat advisory until Wednesday and is directing unhoused adults to go to the Second Avenue Commons Engagement Center from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. The engagement center is located at 700 Second Ave., first floor, in Pittsburgh.
Families experiencing housing instability should call the Allegheny Link 1-866-7302368. Older adults who need help finding a safe place to cool down or accessing other support can call the Allegheny County Senior Line at 412-350-5460.
County pools and spray parks will be open seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., as weather permits. Public libraries, senior centers and family centers throughout Allegheny County may also provide air-conditioned spaces during their regular hours.
West Mifflin Emergency Management has made arrangements with its local volunteer fire departments to become cooling stations if needed. West Mifflin officials stated that if someone needs a cooling station, they should contact Emergency Management at 412-9137683 to open a station.
Several cooling stations will be available in West Mifflin:
• Homeville Volunteer Fire Company at 3900 Greensprings Ave.
• Duquesne Annex Volunteer Fire Company at 1620 Pennsylvania Ave.
• West Mifflin #3 Volunteer Fire Company at 3722 Rodeo Drive.
• Skyview Volunteer Fire Company at 660 Noble Drive.
Elizabeth Township will open its cooling center at 522 Rock Run Road today until Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.
Westmoreland County
In collaboration with the City of Monessen, Mon Valley EMS will set up a cooling center at the Monessen Civic Center, located at 861 Donner Ave. It will be available daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the heat advisory.
The Monessen Police Department stated that residents who need access to the cooling center can call 911, and transportation arrangements will be provided by police or Mon Valley EMS. Anyone who is able to provide their own transportation is welcome to come to the cooling center.
“As part of its response, Mon Valley EMS is increasing staffing throughout the week to ensure rapid emergency coverage during the period of elevated demand,” the company said in a statement. “To help residents reach safe, climate-controlled environments, the agency is offering free-of-charge transportation for any resident of the City of Monessen to and from designated cooling centers. Residents who need a ride or assistance returning home are encouraged to call Mon Valley EMS at 724684-7600.”
PA 211 also identifies several Westmoreland County libraries as cooling spaces during their normal operating hours. Call 211 or the library to confirm their availability and hours.
Several libraries in the county can also be accessed to escape the heat:
• Rostraver Public Library located at 700 Plaza Drive, is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and closed Sundays.
• Monessen Public Library, located at 326 Donner Ave. in Monessen, is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. It is closed Fridays and Sundays.
Washington County
Charleroi Fire Department announced on its Facebook page that it will operate as a designated cooling center throughout the heat advisory. If anyone needs to make arrangements to get to the cooling center, they can call 724-483-7311 in advance.
The senior center at 102 W. Main St. in Monongahela also serves as a cooling center, according to the 211 website. It can be reached at 724-663-4202.
One of the best ways to find a cooling center is to dial 211. Availability can vary, so it’s best to confirm that a cooling center is open. Cooling centers can also be found online by using a zip code at https://southwest.pa211.org/summer-resources.
How to stay safe
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are some of the most dangerous outcomes of hot temperatures. Heat illness can come quickly, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Signs of heat exhaustion can include:
• Heavy sweating
• Headache, nausea or dizziness
• Weakness or unusual fatigue
• Muscle cramps
• Extreme thirst
• Pale, cool or clammy skin
• Decreased urination If someone is experiencing heat exhaustion symptoms, move the person into an air-conditioned or shaded area, loosen unnecessary clothing, apply cool wet cloths and offer small sips of cool water. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
Signs for heat stroke can include:
• Confusion, unusual behavior or slurred speech
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Very hot skin, which may be dry or heavily sweating
• A dangerously high body temperature If someone has heat stroke symptoms, immediately call 911. Move the person to a cooler area and begin cooling them with cold water, wet cloths or ice while waiting for help.
During high summer temperatures, it’s recommended to stay well hydrated, avoid strenuous activity outdoors, wear lightweight clothing and check on older relatives, neighbors, people with disabilities and anyone who lives alone.
Never leave a child, older adult or pet inside a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes. Keep pets indoors in an air-conditioned space if possible and make sure they always have access to plenty of cool water. It’s best to walk pets during the evening or early in the morning.
Cooling centers may have different rules about animals, so it’s best to call the location or dial 211 before leaving to ask whether pets are permitted.
