City of Aiken provides cooling centers to beat potentially record-breaking heat this summer
Jun. 21—It's hot in Aiken, and it's only getting hotter.
2023 marked the hottest year on record, and scientists say 2024 could rival the previous year's tremendous heat as the climate crisis worsens, according to the American Red Cross.
Nick Gibson of the American Red Cross said the heat affects everyone, especially people who have to work outside, older adults, very young people and those with chronic health conditions.
Around 2,300 people suffered heat-related deaths last year.
"The biggest thing that people must adhere to is, of course, drinking plenty of fluids," Gibson said. "Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol as well."
Gibson also recommends wearing light clothing such as T-shirts, shorts and light-colored clothes.
The National Weather Service office in Columbia's forecast calls for high temperatures in the mid to upper 90s for the next week. Lows are predicted to be in the low 70s, and there is a chance for showers or thunderstorms in the afternoons.
Gibson also said that finding a place to cool off is important. Call 211 to find a public cooling center, public library or shopping mall — anywhere with air conditioning.
The City of Aiken offers cooling centers with air conditioning and free bottled water at the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center on Whiskey Road and the Lessie B. Price Aiken Senior & Youth Center on Edgefield Avenue.
If someone starts to lose consciousness or vomits, they could be suffering a heat stroke.
Gibson advises to call 911 immediately if this happens, and cool the person down by submerging them in cold water, but don't try to make them drink and risk injury.
Be sure to keep your pets cool, too.
The Aiken County Animal Shelter has outdoor and indoor kennels with HVAC, so their dogs and cats are comfortable year-round.
They also offer kiddie pools for the dogs to play in, though some aren't keen to take a dip.
County Shelter Manager Bobby Arthurs said that by law animals must have adequate shelter to stay outside.
"They need shade," Arthurs said. "They need fresh, potable, clean water.
"We've seen a lot of people put water out and that's it. But that water heats up during the day and that water needs to be with fresh, cool water."
Arthurs also recommends getting creative by giving them popsicles made for dogs in their water bowls or ice cubes.
The same goes for horses.
"I think horses drink over 10 gallons of water a day just to keep hydrated," Arthurs said. "That water doesn't need to be in a metal container out in the middle of a field where the sun just cooks it ... it needs to be replenished."
Gibson recommends downloading the Red Cross Emergency App for more information on getting through the heat and other emergencies.
