City Facilities Offer Free Access for People Seeking Relief from Heat
On days where the thermometer hits 95-plus degrees, or when a code red air quality alert is issued for Montgomery County, the City of Rockville’s four cooling centers will be open.
The centers are located at the following city facilities:
- Lincoln Park Community Center, 357 Frederick Ave.
- Thomas Farm Community Center, 700 Fallsgrove Drive.
- Twinbrook Community Recreation Center, 12920 Twinbrook Parkway.
- Rockville Senior Center, 1150 Carnation Drive.
Community members using the cooling centers may stay in designated public areas for free. Those who want to use the amenities (e.g., fitness rooms, computer labs or drop-in programs) may do so after paying a daily admission fee.
Cooling centers will be open during normal hours of operation. An adult must accompany children using the cooling centers.
In addition to staying indoors in an air-conditioned place, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness” has advice to help keep you healthy in hot weather:
- Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level.
- Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place, is a much better way to cool off.
- Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Read more of the CDC’s tips on its website. For more information about Rockville’s cooling centers, call 240-314-5000. Learn more about Rockville’s community centers and other facilities, including hours of operation, on the city’s website.