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WEIRTON -- With the National Weather Service forecasting temperatures hovering close to 100 degrees for much of this week, area officials are urging residents to take precautions in order to beat the heat and preparing to offer cooling shelters if the need arises.
The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh has issued an extreme heat warning this week, noting a dome of high pressure will bring dry weather and temperatures well above normal for the region. Forecasts call for temperatures in the high 90s for the remainder of the week, including Independence Day, followed by the possibility of thunderstorms Sunday through Tuesday.
With that in mind, local emergency management offices and community officials are preparing to assist if needed.
Hancock County Director of Emergency Management Jeremy Ober noted his office is keeping an eye on the weather conditions and will make decisions as to the possible opening of cooling shelters in the county when necessary.
"We always utilize the public facilities that are open," Ober said. "We have others on a standby basis."
He said the county primarily issues such orders in the event of utility outages which would result in residents losing power, air conditioning or other such services, with shelters open with a focus on geographical areas to best serve the related communities.
If such a move is made, he said, announcements will be made directing residents in need to the closest space available.
In Weirton, the Millsop Community Center is offering the Rose Dining Room as a cooling space for those in need of one. The space will be available from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the Community Center's regular operational hours, Monday through Friday. Residents wishing to use the space must bring their own water and be sure to limit their visits to allow others to have an opportunity to cool down.
For more information, Weirton residents are asked to call the Millsop Center's customer service desk at (304) 797-8520.
Brooke County EMA Director Greg Moore said his agency, too, is preparing for the potential need of cooling shelters, with four sites already designated.
"They're on standby," Moore said.
In the event cooling shelters are needed, residents will be able to use the Windsor Heights Community Center, the Follansbee Community House, the Wellsburg Volunteer Fire Department Event Center and the Bethany Community Center.
"We can activate them for daylight hours only," Moore emphasized.
He said residents are encouraged to call (304) 737-5002 for additional information or if a shelter is needed.
In the meantime, Ober recommends residents stay indoors as much as possible and, if they do need to be outside, take precautions of their own.
"Hydrate. Take breaks," Ober said.