County opening cooling centers

The National Weather Service has issued a forecast for dangerously hot conditions for Loudoun County and the region June 23 and June 24, with heat index values up to 110 degrees possible.

Loudoun County Cooling Centers
Certain county facilities will serve as designated cooling centers Monday, June 23 and Tuesday, June 24. During normal business hours, the facilities will provide air conditioning, water, and a place to sit for residents who may need relief from the heat. County facilities serving as cooling centers are:

• Loudoun County Public Library branches
• Loudoun County Community Centers
• Loudoun County Dulles South Recreation Center

(Note: At the time this news release was published, the Claude Moore Recreation Center is closed to the general public due to a power loss; however, the facility will also serve as a cooling center as soon as power is restored. Please check the Parks, Recreation and Community Services news webpage or call 571-258-3600 prior to visiting the Claude Moore Recreation Center to verify whether it has reopened.)

In addition, the Loudoun County Animal Shelter will operate as a pet-friendly facility for residents who are seeking relief from the heat for their companion animals.

Homeless Services Center
In response to the excessive heat, the Loudoun Homeless Services Center, 19520 Meadowview Court in Leesburg, will be extending its drop-in hours in the evening. From June 23, through Thursday, June 26, the center will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The center will also be providing cold water for those seeking relief from the extreme weather. In addition, transportation will be provided during regular business hours from the Eastern Loudoun drop-in center in Sterling to the Leesburg center for anyone who would like to receive extended services past 4 p.m., when the Sterling center closes.

Guard Against Heat-Related Illness and Lightning Strikes; Protect Your Pets
The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur. In addition to avoiding being outside for long periods of time, Loudoun County officials remind residents to take other precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses and to stay safe from severe thunderstorms.

• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water.
• If you have to go outside, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and avoid strenuous activities.
• Do not leave children or pets in cars.
• Monitor your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering. The Loudoun County Department of Animal Services offers useful information on protecting your pets from the heat.
• Check on your neighbors: Anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, but people aged 65 and older and very young children are more susceptible to the effects of high heat and humidity.
• When thunder roars, go indoors: If you hear thunder, you are likely within striking distance of the storm. If you see threatening clouds approach, see lightning or hear thunder, seek safe shelter immediately.
• Know the forecast: Get updated weather information online from the National Weather Service (NWS) at weather.gov/lwx and on the NWS Facebook and X. You may also sign up for weather alerts through Alert Loudoun.

More information about staying safe in excessive heat is online at loudoun.gov/heat.