For immediate release: June 18, 2024
Contact: Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director Tom Higgins
Telephone: 207-992-4700
Email: thomas.higgins@bangormaine.gov
Tips and cooling options for residents as heat wave descends on Maine
BANGOR, Maine – In response to the National Weather Service forecasting temperatures in the 90s over the next couple of days, with the hottest days forecasted to be Wednesday, which is the Juneteenth holiday, and Thursday, the City of Bangor has compiled a list of tips and cooling options for residents.
Health officials encourage residents to keep cool, stay hydrated and lie low. Wear loose-fitting and light-colored clothing, and try to stay indoors and avoid strenuous activity. Children or pets should never be left in a closed vehicle in such temperatures. If pets are outside, make sure they have plenty of water and shade, and keep in mind asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot on your pet’s feet. People are encouraged to check on neighbors who may be vulnerable to the heat and humidity, particularly older residents.
There will be people required to work outside this week and employers are asked to be mindful of steps that can be taken to keep them safe, such as drinking plenty of water, having regular rest breaks and staying in the shade when possible.
There are five cooling centers available to people this week:
• Cross Insurance Center, Renewal by Andersen Entrance, 515 Main St., is open Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Mansion Church, 96 Center St., is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• HEART Community Center, 304 Hancock St., is open each day from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Brick Church, 126 Union St., is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Together Place, 2 Second St., is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Water and popsicles will be provided to people looking to cool down. Together Place is scheduled to be closed Wednesday but the center will be monitoring the weather to determine if it should open that day as well.
There also are other options for people trying to beat the heat:
• Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow St., will be closed for the Juneteenth holiday but will be open Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Bangor City Hall, 262 Harlow St., will be closed for the Juneteenth holiday but is open Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• The Bangor Housing Authority will have its splash pad on Davis Road, at the intersection with Downeast Circle, operating each weekday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• A sprinkler will be set up on the Bangor Waterfront.
Emergency personnel are available to make welfare checks. To report concerns, please contact 207-947-7382.
Remember, stay indoors, drink plenty of water, check on your neighbors and stay safe. For more information on how to combat extreme heat, visit this link.
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The City of Bangor, Maine, is a service center community of 31,753 residents and is the county seat of Penobscot County. Bangor is the major commercial and cultural center for much of northern and eastern Maine. The City is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. For information on City projects and news, see www.bangormaine.gov.