High heat: Areas to keep cool around Butler, Warren counties

Atrium Medical Center has opened its auditorium as a cooling area for residents

Credit: Nick Graham

Credit: Nick Graham

Several areas around Butler and Warren counties are opening up to help people stay cool as they beat the heat.

An excessive heat warning is in effect through 9 p.m. today, and an excessive heat watch is in effect from 9 p.m. today until 8 p.m. Wednesday, issued by the National Weather Service in Wilmington due to dangerously hot conditions.

A record-setting high temperature of around 97 degrees is expected. The previous record high for today is 94 degrees in Dayton and Columbus and 95 in Cincinnati.

Heat index values for today will be 110, which means it will feel like 110 degrees when factoring in the oppressive humidity.

Butler County

The Salvation Army in Hamilton will open its gym as a cooling center during the hot weather this week.

The gym, located at 235 Ludlow St., will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The MidPointe library system has opened each of its branches — located in Liberty Twp., Middletown, Monroe, Trenton and West Chester Twp. — as cooling centers. Informally, residents are encouraged to check the hours of any local libraries for a place to escape the heat.

West Chester officials said senior residents in need of rides to cooling centers may call (513) 777-2231 or (513) 759-3960.

Fairfield Twp. has invited folks needing to cool off to visit the Administration Building at 6032 Morris Road.

“We enjoy visitors and have plenty of water, several restrooms, and air conditioning,” states a post on the township’s Facebook page.

In Hamilton, there are several splashpads that children often use to cool down, but it’s suggested to limit time outside during the hottest hours of the day to avoid heat exhaustion or heat strokes.

“Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” the NWS said.

The Monroe Police Department lobby, 601 S. Main St., is operating a cooling station from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, Wednesday and Thursday. Cups will be provided so that water can be obtained from the fountain.

MidPointe Library Monroe, 1 Tennessee Ave., is open as a cooling center. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, Wednesday and Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Warren County

Atrium Medical Center has opened its auditorium, located on the fifth floor of the hospital’s Professional Building, as a cooling area for residents.

With the ongoing power outages in the area, the hospital anticipates an influx of people who will need oxygen support, officials said. Outlets will be available at Atrium for those who need to plug in portable oxygen concentrators.

Atrium has power and hospital operations are running normal, officials said.

Other cooling stations in Warren County: Carlisle Town Hall, 760 W. Central Ave.; Franklin Fire Department, 45 E. Fourth St.; Franklin-Springboro Public Library, 44 East St.; and Springboro Administration Building, 320 W. Central Ave.

The cooling centers provide residents will cool air, and a place to rest and recharge their electrical devices, according to the Warren County Emergency Management Agency. They do not provide overnight lodging, medical care, or food.

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