With the heat and humidity climbing every day, those fortunate enough to work in an environment with air conditioning, or who have air conditioning at home can find comfort indoors.
But, not everyone has that luxury. After my mother passed away the first thing I did with the money she left for me was get a new roof. Second, I had central air installed and then, in the fall I was able to get a new furnace. Prior to that, like many people on a fixed income, I couldn’t afford any of these things.
To keep cool in the summer, I used to set up a series of fans to circulate the air, window fans sucked the hot air out of the house and dirtied the screens, but it helped. I stayed away from coffee and alcohol and drank water so I wouldn’t get dehydrated, and my dog always had a fresh, clean, cold giant bowl of water available.
So, where can someone in Orange go to cool off if the heat gets to be too much to bear?
Currently, the town doesn’t have an official “Cooling Center” but, everyone in need of relief is welcome to come to the Orange Police Department, 314 Lambert Road, which is open 24 Hours.
• Metal folding chairs, tables, air conditioning, running wate , and a mini-fridge are available in the community room.
Who should come:
Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:
Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature.
People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.
NOTE: Well-behaved Pets are allowed if on a leash or otherwise contained. (bring his/her bowl for water)
Other options
In the event that the Police Department Community Room should become too crowded, the Orange Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road, would be opened to those seeking comfort from the heat, according to Deputy Fire Marshal Tim Borer.
If this is the case you will be able to access that information here on Orange Live or by visiting the Orange Fire Marshal’s Facebook Page.
One other option that is Immediately available is the Case Memorial Library, 176 Tyler City Road. It has air conditioning books, magazines, computers, wifi availability, comfortable chairs, and wooden tables and chairs throughout the building.
Library hours are: Monday & Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed Sunday)
I hope you found this information helpful and please, stay hydrated.