Shelter available from expected heat

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Trinity Baptist Church in Williamston will be among several locations across Anderson County that will open an emergency shelter beginning Friday for area residents in need of relief from the heat. Weather forecasters are calling for temperatures in the high 90s today and the temperature is expected to reach more than 100 degrees over the next several days. Temps could reach as high as 106 degress Saturday and Monday, officials said.

With triple-digit temperate expected this weekend, Anderson County has partnered with the Anderson Red Cross and the municipal governments including Cities of Anderson, Belton, Honea Path, Williamston, Pendleton, and Iva to provide several cooling stations.

The stations will provide residents a respite from the soaring temperatures and high humidity.

Anderson County Community Emergency Response Team will be working with American Red Cross to staff the stations, officials said.

The American Red Cross is always involved as a community partner with Anderson County Emergency Services to provide caring services for Anderson County residents. Anderson County Sheriff’s Department as well as Anderson County EMS providers and Anderson County Fire Department will also be making stop at the sites throughout the day.

According to the National Weather Service, “A major heat wave is expected to develop over the region Friday through the weekend. Most locations in the Piedmont and Foothills should reach or exceed 100 degrees each day. The heat index may reach or exceed 105 in some locations…especially across southern Piedmont areas.”

“Heat is the number one weather-related killer,” said Anderson County Council Chairman Tom Allen. “The Anderson Red Cross and County Emergency Medical Personnel are urging residents to limit outdoor activities this weekend and to consume adequate water. If you can’t cool down at home, please seek out one of the available cooling stations. Don’t underestimate the hot weather. Take precautions to protect yourself and your family.”

“During this weekend’s anticipated heat wave, it is very important to closely monitor ourselves, as well as family, friends and neighbors, especially those who are elderly or have medical issues to ensure that they are safe,” said Anderson County Emergency Medical Services Director Scott Stoller. “Things to watch for during these scorching days include a lack of orientation, headaches, nausea, redness similar to a rash on entire body or a lack of sweating. It is very important to consume appropriate quantities of water to stay hydrated. If you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone else or if ever in doubt, call 9-1-1.”

Cooling Stations will be open from 9 am until 9 pm on Friday-June 29, Saturday-June 30 and Sunday-July 1.

Water will be available for hydration; food however, will not be provided.

Residents are encouraged to pack a meal if they plan to be there for an extended period of time.

After monitoring weather reports on Sunday, a decision will be made as to whether the locations will remain open on Monday. Future needs will be evaluated based on the heat index.

Confirmed Cooling Station locations:

• Trinity Church, 324 Belton Drive, Williamston.

• Powdersville Fire Department, 10600 Anderson Road, Easley.

• Belton Fire Department, 306 Anderson Street, Belton

• Civic Center of Anderson, 3027 MLK, Jr. Boulevard, Anderson. (A big screen television, water and toys will be available at the Civic Center. Pets are also welcome at the Civic Center.

• Watkins School, 204 South Main Street, Honea Path

• Iva Fire and Rescue, 9711 Highway 81 South, Iva

• Pendleton Fire Department, 108 S. Depot Street, Pendleton.

The shelters will provide a cool place to stay out of the heat and they will have water available, Williamston Police Chief Jay Grubbs said.
Grubbs said the shelter at Trinity Baptist will be open as long as temperatures remain abouve 100 degrees. Persons needing assistance can contact the Williamston Police Department at 847-7425.

Once confirmed, other locations will be listed on the Anderson County website and Facebook pages.

www.andersoncountysc.org<http://www.andersoncountysc.org> www.facebook.com/andersoncountysc<http://www.facebook.com/andersoncountysc>

Anyone with transportation issues should call 260-4444.

For more information, visit www.upstateredcross.org/anderson<http://www.upstateredcross.org/anderson>

Or contact Anderson County EMS Director Scott Stoller at 864.209.1101 or email sstoller@andersoncountysc.org<mailto:sstoller@andersoncountysc.org>