This summer may be remembered as the one when we all stayed indoors.
On Monday and Tuesday, the greater Fredericksburg region is under either an excessive heat warning or heat advisory as defined by the National Weather Service.
Monday and Tuesday’s high temperatures are expected to hit triple digits — with the humidity making it feel like 105 to 110 degrees — prompting many to change plans to avoid the scorching temps that may break records.
High temperatures are more than just uncomfortable; they can be fatal. According to the National Weather Service, heat was the top cause of weather-related fatalities in 2023. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reported approximately 1,220 people in the United States die annually from extreme heat.
But where do you go if your air conditioning doesn’t work or doesn’t work well? Major cities across the country open official cooling centers to help those who don’t have a way to escape the heat. They are often located in buildings or government centers that are open to the public anyway.
In the Fredericksburg region, however, official cooling centers only open under extreme circumstances. The Fredericksburg Free Press contacted localities to ask about their plans for helping residents beat the heat this week.
The city of Fredericksburg has “no plans” to open a cooling center unless there is a power outage, wrote Sonja Cantu, the city’s public information officer. It falls to the Emergency Services manager to update city leadership on weather conditions and send alerts to residents.
“We are planning to focus on public information about heat safety,” Cantu wrote.
The answer was similar in Stafford and Spotsylvania counties.
“Stafford County encourages residents to practice heat safety during the heat waves this summer,” said Katie Carpenter, Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator for Stafford County Fire and Rescue.
“Stafford County monitors power outages closely during heat waves. If there will be a long-term power outage during the excessive heat period, Stafford County will evaluate the need to activate a shelter.”
Public facilities such as public libraries, malls, movie theaters, dining establishments, etc., with air conditioning are considered cooling centers during their normal business hours, explained Michelle McGinnis, director of community engagement for Spotsylvania County.
“Spotsylvania Fire, Rescue & Emergency Management monitors conditions for any long-term power outages or other situations that may require consideration for activation of the Local/Disaster Mass Care Plan,” McGinnis wrote in an email.
For those who have nowhere to go, Micah Ecumenical Ministries’ Hospitality Center stays open later when there is a heat warning, said Meghann Cotter, executive director. The space at 1013 Princess Anne Street in Fredericksburg will be open until 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.
Emergency service personnel agreed that it is important that people stay hydrated by drinking water and avoiding caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. Avoid being in the direct sun too long and keep children and pets indoors as much as possible. It’s also important to learn the signs of a heat-related illness.
Last summer (May to September) in Virginia, 2,656 people visited an emergency department with heat-related illnesses.
Heat stress will build rapidly for those without adequate cooling or hydration.
“If residents do not have air conditioning, they are encouraged to utilize air conditioning in public facilities such as libraries during peak heat hours,” Carpenter said. “Other options include shopping malls, coffee shops, movie theaters and indoor recreation facilities.”
Cooling assistance programs
The state offers assistance with cooling expenses resulting from extreme heat. To be eligible for any type of cooling assistance, certain income and citizenship criteria must be met. In addition, the household must contain at least one vulnerable person, and there must be a cooling need. A vulnerable person is someone who is aged 60 or over, a child under six, or a disabled individual.
Help is offered to pay electric bills, security deposits, funds to purchase or replace and install a window air conditioner, or repair a central air conditioner unit or heat pump.
Applications are accepted at the local Department of Social Services from June 15 through Aug. 15. Apply for Social Services energy assistance programs by phone at 855-635-4370 or online at www.commonhelp.virginia.gov. Dominion Energy offers customer assistance programs, too.
