The National Weather Service predicts high heat and humidity for the entire week of July 25-30. Beginning Monday, July 25, the heat index may be over 100 degrees daily. The heat index will peak with 106-degree temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday. Cumberland County Emergency Services urges residents to take precautions as this is the second consecutive week of high heat and humidity.
The Department of Social Services, located at 1225 Ramsey St., has opened the auxiliary lobby as a cooling station. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The lobby is on the first floor waiting area by the reception desk. Masks or face coverings are optional. However, masks and and social distancing are encouraged.
The first-floor lobby of the Cumberland County Department of Public Health, located at 1235 Ramsey St., is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Anyone entering the Health Department is required to wear a mask and pass a temperature scan. Masks will be provided to anyone who does not have one.
All eight Cumberland County Public Library locations are open as cooling stations. Libraries are open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Headquarters Library at 300 Maiden Lane, Fayetteville, along with Cliffdale, North Regional, and Hope Mills branches are also open Sundays from 2 to 6 p.m. To find your local library, go to cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/library-group/library.
The 18 Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation Centers are open to the public year-round, during normal operating hours and can be used by residents as respite from the heat. Recreation center locations, hours, contact information and programming schedules are posted at fcpr.us/facilities/recreation-centers/.
Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working outdoors. Cumberland County Emergency Services reminds residents to take precautions during the hot weather. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, avoid strenuous work, check on relatives and neighbors, and never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
Stay informed by visiting the County’s website at cumberlandcountync.gov or County social media pages at facebook.com/CumberlandNC, facebook.com/CumberlandCountyNC911 and
twitter.com/CumberlandNC.