COLUMBUS — To help residents stay cool in the extreme heat, the city announced it will expand pool and splash-pad hours and waive the $1 fee through Friday, July 28.
Pools and splash pads will be open from 1 p.m. until 8:45 p.m. Friday. A listing is available online.
Residents also can take advantage of community centers, which are open regular hours on weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the city said. View a list of centers online.
Air-conditioned Columbus Metropolitan Library locations are also available and can be viewed online.
Columbus Public Health offers tips for ways to stay cool in hot weather:
- Drink lots of water and don’t wait until you are thirsty
- Whenever possible stay in air conditioning
- Those without access to air-conditioning should use the library, community centers, malls and other cool public places
- Beverages with alcohol, caffeine and sugar should be avoided because they cause dehydration
- Eat lighter meals like salads
- Wear light-colored clothing made of light-weight fabric, like cotton and muslin
- Limit strenuous activities to cooler morning and evening hours
- Check on those who are susceptible to extreme heat, especially the elderly
- Never pets at home and never leave them in an enclosed vehicle
To save energy during hot spells, AEP Ohio offers these tips:
- Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher
- Keep the sun out by closing blinds and curtains
- Avoid using ovens and dryers that produce heat and unplug appliances when you aren’t using them
- Ceiling fans can make rooms feel up to 10 degrees cooler if they are rotating counterclockwise
- Change your air conditioner filter, which can reduce energy consumption 5% to 15%
