Micah Ecumenical Ministries cooling centers
Due to projected excessive heat warnings this week, the downtown Fredericksburg churches that form Micah Ministries are opening rotating indoor cooling spaces for neighbors experiencing homelessness. These spaces will not provide services or programming; they are simply indoor air-conditioned spaces where those who would be outside otherwise can find shelter from the elements during these extremely high temperatures. Bottled water and some light snacks will be provided through the cooling center hours.
- Monday, June 23: St George’s Episcopal Church (905 Princess Anne Street), 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 24: Common Ground Church (1501 Washington Avenue), 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 25: Fredericksburg United Methodist Church (308 Hanover St), 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Thursday, June 26: Fredericksburg Baptist Church (1016 Caroline St), 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Regular hospitality services, like the shower location, bagged lunch pickup locations, and dinner locations are operating as usual this week. The cooling spaces operate in addition to the regular schedule. Note that the cooling centers are not overnight shelter facilities. These spaces are open during the hours listed each day, and will not provide any overnight accommodations.
RAHD: Stay hydrated, check on friends and family
As extreme heat moves into the Fredericksburg area, heat-related illnesses are a real concern. Rappahannock Area Health District offers guidance to stay healthy and cool this summer.
As temperatures outside rise, it’s important to stay hydrated and stay cool. Last summer, Virginia had more than 3,200 heat-related illness visits to emergency departments (EDs) and urgent cares statewide and 144 visits for Planning District -16. Additionally, Virginia EMS clinicians responded to more than 3,600 heat-related illness 911 calls during the heat season (May to September). According to the National Weather Service, extreme heat was the leading cause of weather-related deaths in 2024.
“Take time to ensure you are hydrated, reduce your exposure to heat as much as possible, and check in on friends and family to ensure they are doing the same,” Rappahannock Area Health District Director Olugbenga Obasanjo, M.D said in a news release.
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion occur when your body is unable to cool itself. Humidity plays a big factor in your body’s ability to release heat. The higher the humidity, the slower your sweat evaporates. Additionally, things like age, weight, heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn, and alcohol and prescription drug use can affect how fast your body can cool itself.
You can beat the heat with these tips:
- Stay Hydrated – Drink water and lots of it. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
- Stay Cool – The easiest way to keep cool is to stay inside in the air conditioning. Don’t have AC? Visit 211 to find a cooling center near you.
- Limit Physical Activity – Schedule your outdoor activities for the coolest times of the day – early morning or evening. Take frequent breaks in the shade.
- Dress Appropriately – Loose, lightweight clothing is the best way to dress for the heat. Wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher), glasses, and a sun hat for protection. Reapply sunscreen often.
- Stay Informed – Before heading outside check out the Heat Risk Forecast or the CDC Heat and Health Tracker. Know the difference between a heat watch and a heat warning.
- Do not leave children or pets in cars. Temperatures inside the car can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes, even with the windows cracked. Make sure pets have plenty of water and shade.
- Check on Others – Recognizing the signs of heat-related illnesses and knowing what to do, might save the life of a loved one. Heat stroke is an emergency. Call 911 immediately if an individual:
- Loses consciousness
- Has a fast, strong pulse
- Has hot, red skin and/or temperatures of 103° F
Keep these tips in mind for a safe, cool summer. Rappahannock Area Health District can be a resource for summer safety.
Fredericksburg
In an email, public information officer Caitlyn McGhee wrote that “there are no plans to open a cooling center in the city unless we experience unforeseen circumstances, such as a power outage.
“Libraries, shopping centers/malls, and museums are some examples of indoor areas that can provide relief from the heat. We are planning to focus on public information about heat safety.”
Stafford County
Stafford County officials are monitoring the situation and said they are ready to open cooling centers if necessary. They also have been and continue to give residents tips on how to stay cool via the county social media.
Officials are concerned about animals who are outside, so they will be putting out social media messages on this subject, as well.
(Check back, as the Free Press will update this post with listings of cooling centers across the region.)
