Somerset EMA expands available cooling shelters during heat wave

Joshua Byers, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
·2 min read

SOMERSET, Pa. – In what Somerset County Emergency Management Agency Director Joel Landis described as a proactive move, cooling shelters throughout the county are being expanded as a heat advisory remains in effect through 8 p.m. Saturday.

Residents can escape the high temperatures at local public libraries:

• 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Somerset County Library, 6022 Glades Pike, Suite 120.

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Conemaugh Township Library, 959 S. Main St., Hollsopple.

• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Windber Public Library, 1909 Graham Ave.

• 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Meyersdale Public Library, 210 Center St.

Landis said these shelters are a proactive approach to the heat wave that’s pummeling the area.

Transportation and after-hours issues are handled upon request.

The EMA director cautioned community members that as temperatures remain high to keep taking steps to avoid heat-related illnesses throughout the rest of the week.

“Continue to hydrate, limit exposure outside and check on your neighbors and pets,” Landis said.

He previously announced cooling shelters are available at several local senior centers in conjunction with the Somerset County Area Agency on Aging.

Facilities at 103 Sunshine Ave., Central City; 700 Fifth St., Suite 200, Windber; 959 S. Main St., Hollsopple; 700 Reynolds St., Confluence; 120 North St., Meyersdale; and 1338 S. Edgewood Ave., Somerset, will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.

According to Accuweather’s forecast, Somerset County will have a high of 91 degrees with a chance of thunderstorms Friday and mostly sunny and humid weather Saturday with a high of 91 degrees.

Temperatures are set to cool off to 88 degrees Sunday and down to 78 degrees Monday.

Cambria County, which is also under a heat advisory, is facing slightly increased forecasted temperatures with a high of 93 degrees Friday and a chance of thunderstorms.

Saturday’s high is projected to be 92 degrees in Cambria County, 88 degrees Sunday and the heat wave is expected to break by Monday with a high of 79 degrees, according to Accuweather.