Nola Reporter

NEW ORLEANS — The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an Excessive Heat Warning in the New Orleans area for Wednesday, June 28 from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. The weather forecast indicates that high humidity levels will result in heat index values – that is, temperatures that “feel like” – up to 120 degrees on Tuesday. Dangerously hot temperatures likely to continue through the remainder of the week. The combination of afternoon heat index readings above 110 degrees and morning lows remaining well above normal will provide little if any relief for the body to cool for those without access to air conditioning or cooling centers.

These hot temperatures can become life-threatening if the proper precautions are not taken. Residents can visit weatherwise.nola.gov/ to find localized updates on weather conditions when considering outdoor activities. 

HEAT RELIEF RESOURCES FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28:

Individuals seeking refuge during the daytime may visit the following locations on Wednesday, June 28:

• Arthur Monday Community Center is open Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (1111 Newton St., Suite 101)
• Carrollton-Hollygrove Senior Center is open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (3300 Hamilton St.)
• Algiers Courthouse is open Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. (225 Morgan St., Room 209)
• Louisiana SPCA is open Monday - Saturday, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. (1700 Mardi Gras Blvd.)
• OHL Sobering Center is open 24/7 (732 N. Claiborne Ave.)

New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD Commission locations are open as follows:

• Rosenwald “Annex” Senior Building is open Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (1120 S. Broad St.)
• NORD Annunciation Center is open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (800 Race St.)
• Desire-Florida Multi-Purpose Recreation Center is open Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (3250 Industry St.)

NORD Aquatics will be open as follows:

• Gert Town Pool is open Monday – Wednesday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (3411 Broadway St.)
• Joe W. Brown Pool is open Monday – Wednesday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (5601 Read Blvd.)
• Sanchez Center Pool is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (1616 Fats Domino Ave.)
• Stallings Gentilly Pool is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (2700 Lapeyrouse St.)
• Treme Pool is open Monday – Friday, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. (900 N. Villere St.)
• Lyons Pool is open Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM (624 Louisiana Ave)
• Federal City Pool on the Naval Base is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (2220 Constitution St.)

All New Orleans Public Library locations are open Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Friday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., with the following exceptions:

• Main Library is open Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Friday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Rosa Keller Library & Community Center is closed due to facilities maintenance
• Milton H. Latter Memorial Library is closed due to facilities maintenance

For Unhoused Individuals:

• Ozanam Inn has a cooling area from 5:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. daily (2239 Poydras St.)
• New Orleans Women & Children's Shelter will be open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• The New Orleans Mission will open their Day Center as a cooling site and provide water 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily.
• Grace at the Greenlight will be open 6:30 a.m. - 7:15 a.m. daily and will have water on hand

SUSPENSION OF SERVICE DISCONNECTIONS 

Entergy New Orleans does not disconnect on days that NWS has issued a heat advisory, which is expected to last through July 4, 2023. Residents can call 1-800-ENTERGY to report outages. The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) will also suspend shut-offs for delinquent accounts. Please call 52-WATER to report any water or sewer emergencies.   

SAFETY TIPS 

Residents are advised to take the following precautions to prevent health emergencies due to overexposure to extreme heat:  

• Stay indoors in air conditioning during the hottest parts of the day
• If you must perform outdoor activities, do so early in the morning or late in the evening
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
• Avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun
• Be sure to drink plenty of water, and do not wait until you are thirsty
• The very young, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, are at a greater risk for heat-related health issues and should take extra precautions to stay cool and hydrated
• Check on neighbors, children, the elderly and chronically ill to make sure they are okay, especially every hour if power outages occur

Children and pets should never be left unattended in a vehicle. Even in 70-degree weather, the interior temperature of a vehicle can increase rapidly to over 100 degrees in just 20 minutes. Cracking a window does not help. Leaving a child or pet unattended in a vehicle often leads to a life-threatening emergency. Anyone who sees a child or animal unattended in a vehicle is urged to call 9-1-1 immediately.  

For more information about heat-related illnesses and tips on staying cool, please visit ready.nola.gov. Residents are always encouraged to text NOLAREADY to 77295 for emergency alerts.

Original source can be found here.