Cooling Shelter Open August 4, 2022 at the American Legion Post #50

Vermont Emergency Management and the National Weather Service have issued heat advisory warnings for our area on Thursday, August 4, 2022. Forecaster expect hot and humid conditions through the weekend. Heat index values are expected to reach 95-100°F in some locations. Warm & humid nights will make it challenging for anyone without air conditioning to stay cool. https://www.weather.gov/btv/heat

The American Legion Post #50 in Castleton will be open as a cooling shelter from 8AM to 5PM on Thursday, August 4, 2022. I ask that if you know of residents who do not have air conditioning, especially those with underlying medical conditions, to seek shelter at the American Legion to escape the heat and humidity. There will be bottled water, Gatorade, and snacks available, as well some board games. This facility is handicap accessible. Other public locations to seek shelter from the heat and humidity is the Castleton Free Library, 802-468-5574 (Thursdays 12:00 – 8:00) located at 638 Main Street, https://castletonfreelibrary.org/ and Castleton Community Center https://castletoncsi.org/ located at 2108 Main Street, Phone: 802-468-3093.

If you are concerned about a neighbor, friend or family doesn't have air conditioning and would like a health and welfare check by first responders, please contact the Castleton Police Department at (802) 468-2750 or the Emergency Management Director at (802) 779-8393.

Please check in on the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. Extreme heat and humidity can complicate some medical conditions. The following link explain the warning signs and symptoms heat-related injuries. Extreme heat and humidity can be deadly, so please check in on your neighbors, friends, and family who don't have air conditioning. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html

Vermont data indicates that emergency department visits for heat-related illnesses increase when temperatures reach the mid- to upper-80s, with impacts getting progressively worse as temperatures rise into the 90s. Humid conditions make the temperature feel even hotter.

To locate other cooling shelters/centers in the area, use the following link: https://www.healthvermont.gov/health-environment/climate-health/hot-weather