Maine Cooling Centers to Help People Beat the Heat

Cooling centers are being opened around the state as temperatures are expected to reach 100 this week.

Maine Heat Wave Could Cause Issues for People With Breathing Problems

The Spring/Summer weather we've all been wishing for is finally here, and Mother Nature isn't fooling around. WABI-TV's Todd Simcox predicts temperatures near 90 today and near 100 for Tuesday, with the heat index making it feel much hotter.

This could cause issues for anyone with breathing problems, heart conditions, or asthma.

Mainers Should Take Precautions During Heat Wave to Prevent Illness

Miguel Angel Flores, ThinkStock

If you must be outside the first of this week, drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Instead of jogging outside during lunch, consider a trip to the air-conditioned gym.

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Pets should be walked at dawn and dusk when the temperatures cool, staying on grassy surfaces to avoid burning their paws on the pavement. Dogs shouldn't be left out in the heat and should always have access to water.

If you can stay inside in the air-conditioning, that's a much better and healthier solution.

Maine Communities are Opening Cooling Shelters for Those Without A/C

Several communities have opened cooling shelters for people without air conditioning at home. If you go to a cooling center, take your books, laptops, cellphones, and/or board games to keep yourself entertained while you sit in air-conditioned comfort.

Pets, however, are typically not allowed in these facilities unless they are service animals.

Some of the Cooling Centers in Central Maine include:

Auburn - Community Resource Center, Open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (maybe later)
Augusta - Civic Center, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bangor - The Brick Church, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bangor - Mansion Church, Center Street, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bangor - Needle Point Sanctuary, Park Street, Open noon to 7 p.m.
Bangor - Public Library, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bangor - Together Place Peer Run Recovery Center, Second St. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Damariscotta - Central Lincoln County YMCA, 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Dover-Foxcroft - Town Office Community Room, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Durham - Eureka Community Center, Open 8 a.m to 8 p.m.
Howland - Town Hall and Library, Open noon to 5 p.m.
Lisbon - Police Department, Open as Needed
Millinocket - Public Library, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Orrington - Public Library, Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rockland - City Hall, Public Library, and Flanagan Community Center, Normal business hours
South Thomaston - Public Library, Open noon to 7
Union - Town Office, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Waterville - City Hall Annex, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A full list of Cooling Centers can be found on the Maine Emergency Management Agency's website, or call 211 for a list of resources in your area.

Remember to drink lots of water this week, stay out of the heat as much as possible, and watch for symptoms of dehydration and a heat-related illness.