Here's How to Stay Cool This Week in Rhode Island During the Heatwave

With temperatures are expected to soar into the low 90's this week, the city of Providence has some ways for folks to cool down. They've set up several cooling centers around the city and free bottled water will be available at all cooling centers.

Many of the libraries in the area will be available for residents to find relief from the heat as well. FYI officials say only certified service animals with documentation will be allowed in the centers. 

Plus the city of Providence is opening splash pads and water parks two weeks early to help residents beat the heat. Mayor Brett Smiley says the pads and parks will be open from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. today, Thursday, and Friday, and from noon until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday because of the Juneteenth holiday. 

Park 

Location 

Al Carrington Water Park 

64 Richardson St. 

Billy Taylor Water Park 

124 Camp St. 

Sackett Street Water Park 

100 Sackett St. 

Harriet & Sayles Water Park 

375 Sayles St. 

General Street Water Park 

11 West Dr. 

George West Water Park 

1266 Chalkstone Ave. 

Fargnoli Water Park 

945 Smith St. 

Fox Point Water Park 

505 Wickenden St. 

A. Vincent Igliozzi Rec Center 

675 Plainfield St. 

Wallace Street Park 

1 Wallace St. 

Pastore Park 

Corner of Knight St. & Tell St. 

Joslin Recreation Center 

17 Hyatt St. 

 

 

 

Cooling centers will be available and open from Tuesday through Friday. However, only the following libraries will be open as cooling centers on Wednesday, June 19, due to the holiday:  

Olneyville Library: 1 Olneyville Square, 401-421-4084 

Wednesday: 11:30am – 5:30pm 

South Providence Library: 441 Prairie Avenue, 401-467-2619 

Wednesday: 11:30am – 5:30pm 

The following cooling centers will be opened at their respective hours through the week: 

EMERGENCY COOLING CENTERS: 

Emmanuel House: 239 Public St, 401-421-7888 

Tuesday-Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm 

Federal Hill House: 9 Courtland Street 

Tuesday-Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm 

 

Providence Rescue Mission: 627 Cranston Street 

Open 24/7 during high heat conditions 

 

Crossroads: 160 Broad Street 

Open 24/7 during high heat conditions 

 

LIBRARIES SERVING AS COOLING CENTERS: 

 

Residents may seek shelter from the heat at the following Providence Community Library Branches and at the Providence Public Library: 

  

Mt. Pleasant Library: 315 Academy Avenue, 401-272-0106 

Tuesday: 9:30am – 8:00pm 

Thursday: 9:30am – 8:00pm 

Friday: 1:00 pm – 5:30pm 

Saturday: 9:30am – 5:30pm 

  

Olneyville Library: 1 Olneyville Square, 401-421-4084 

Tuesday: 9:30am – 5:30pm 

Thursday: 9:30am – 5:30pm 

Friday: 1:00pm – 5:30pm 

  

Providence Public Library: 150 Empire Street, 401-455-8000 

Tuesday: 8:30am –7:00pm 

Thursday: 1:00pm –5:00pm 

Friday: 10:00 am –5:00pm 

Saturday: 8:30am – 4:00pm 

  

Rochambeau Library: 708 Hope Street, 401-272-3780 

Tuesday: 9:30am – 8:00pm 

Thursday: 9:30am – 8:00pm 

Friday: 1:00 pm –5:30pm 

Saturday: 9:30am – 5:30pm 

  

Smith Hill Library: 31 Candace Street, 401-272-4140 

Tuesday: 9:30am – 5:30pm 

Thursday: 9:30am – 5:30pm 

Friday: 1:00pm-5:30pm 

  

South Providence Library: 441 Prairie Avenue, 401-467-2619 

Tuesday: 1:00pm – 8:00pm 

Thursday: 9:30am – 5:30pm 

Friday: 1:00pm – 5:30pm 

  

Wanskuck Library: 233 Veazie Street, 401-274-4145 

Tuesday: 9:30am – 5:30pm 

Thursday: 1:00pm – 8:00pm 

Friday: 1:00pm – 5:30pm 

  

Washington Park Library: 1316 Broad Street, 401-781-3136 

Tuesday: 9:30am – 5:30pm 

Thursday: 1:00pm – 8:00pm 

Friday: 1:00pm – 5:30pm 

  

Anyone wishing to utilize free cooling center services should follow the below procedures and guidelines: 

 

·         Only certified service animals with documentation of status paperwork will be permitted inside cooling centers. No other pets will be allowed inside the facility. 

·         Free bottled water will be available at all cooling centers. 

  

During extreme temperatures, heat-related illnesses are possible with outdoor exposure and strenuous activity, and the effects are cumulative over consecutive days. The elderly, youth and individuals with illnesses are especially vulnerable to high heat conditions. The City and PEMA are asking residents to take precautions and are providing the following tips and suggestions. 

  

Extreme Heat Safety Tips: 

·         Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. 

·         Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty; avoid drinks with caffeine. 

·         Limit your outdoor activities to the evening hours if possible. 

·         Wear loose-fitting clothing that is light in color; wear brimmed hats and sunscreen SPF 15 or higher. 

·         Use a buddy system when working outdoors and take frequent breaks to cool down. 

·         Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and people with special needs. 

·         Do not leave children or pets in cars. 

·         Do not open fire hydrants to cool down, it is against the law; report any open fire hydrant to the fire department. 

·         Recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-related emergencies. 

  

For more information, please visit the City’s website.