OLIVE TWP., MI (WHTC-AM/FM, June 17, 2024) – With a week-long heat advisory in effect for West Michigan, the Ottawa County Emergency Management Director has announced the establishment of community centers where residents can cool off and get a respite from the heat.
Holland’s Gateway Mission has opened its doors at its two locations (166 S. River Ave.; 356 Fairbanks Ave.) from 8 AM to 8 PM. Also providing a cooling spot during normal operating hours is the main campus of Herrick District Library (300 S. River Ave.) in Holland, the Community Action House (739 Paw Paw Dr.) in Holland, the Grand Haven Community Center (421 Columbus St.), First United Methodist Church (57 W. 10th Street) in Holland, and the Gary Byker Library (3338 Van Buren St.) in Hudsonville).
“The combination of heat during the day, with little relief at night, can be harmful to persons who are vulnerable to heat illnesses and don’t have a way to cool their environment. Some ways to beat the heat include: spending time in a cooled interior environment, finding shade when outdoors, minimizing physical activity outdoors, and drinking plenty of cool water (not alcohol which can lead to dehydration). Please also consider your pets. Make sure pets have a cool and shady spot to use, and plenty of water. Of course, do not leave persons or pets in vehicles, where temperatures can quickly become dangerous.” – Ottawa Co. Emergency Management Director Lou Hunt.
Neighboring Allegan County’s Emergency Management Director Sarah Clark has not issued any formal heat advisory, but has mentioned some communities (Wayland, Ganges Twp., Dorr) in Facebook posts that have opened their fire stations as cooling spots.
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