Cooling centers open in Lunenburg County due to rising heat index

The temperature keeps rising in Lunenburg County and across the area. By 1 p.m. today, we were already at 94 degrees and climbing. Combined with a strong heat index, that means it can be dangerous for people to be outside for too long.

 To help residents, the Piedmont Health District says that libraries across the region are being used as cooling centers for the next three days.

“It is a service they provide as a part of the national public library system,” said Briauna Marcum with the Virginia Department of Health. “Normal business hours apply unless they announce otherwise.”

There’s a chance, the National Weather Service says, that the heat index could top 110 later today and go higher by Saturday. We’re not just talking about the temperature, which is supposed to be around 95 to 97 degrees.

The heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when you combine it with the humidity. Basically, it’s not a great time for anyone to be outside or in the heat for extended periods over the next three days. That’s especially true for the elderly and anyone suffering from chronic illness. 

To deal with that, seven cooling centers have been set up throughout this region, covering Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Prince Edward and Lunenburg counties. 

Those cooling centers will be at: 

Lunenburg County 

  • Ripberger Library
    117 S. Broad Street, Kenbridge
    The Cooling Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
  • Victoria Library
    1417 7th Street
    The Cooling Center will be open Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Charlotte County

  • Phenix Library
    6830 Charlotte St.
    Cooling Center will open today and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Wylliesburg Library
    1225 Barnesville Highway
    Cooling Center will be open Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
  • Keysville Fire Department
    Will be available as a cooling center from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
  • Bacon District Fire Department
    Bingo Hall will be open as a cooling center from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, tomorrow and Saturday.

Buckingham County 

  • Central Virginia Regional Library
    16266 N. James Madison Highway, Dillwyn
    Cooling Center will be open today from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., then from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.

Cumberland County 

  • Cumberland Library
    1539 Anderson Highway
    Cooling Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and Friday, then from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday

Town of Farmville

  • Farmville-Prince Edward Community Library
    1303 W. 3rd Street
    The Cooling Center will be open today from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

SportsPlus

Lifestyle Main

Treasures on the Shelves: There’s plenty to read in the New Year

Business

Does airport partnership benefit Kenbridge? Council has questions.

Business

No contract yet for Laurel Branch Solar. County officials say why

Local

Trudy Berry says she’ll challenge Lunenburg resident in District 50

Business

Should state board have final say over solar? Bill raises questions

Business

Lunenburg enterprise zone expansion takes effect, with sunset date

Church & Community

Farming Meeting set for Tonight: Calendar for the week of Jan. 16

Columns

Sharon Harrup: A response to concerns about STEPS

Church & Community

Mary Simmons: ‘The words of my mouth’ should bring blessings

Columns

Tommy Wright: Why are some people against a Virginia tax cut?

Education

More money for Lunenburg schools? Governor proposes budget

Business

What do new laws say? Here’s what took effect Jan. 1 in Virginia

Local

Jimmy Carter passes away: Virginia officials offer tribute

Columns

Mike Wilson: It was definitely easier to do this in years past

Editorials

From the Editor’s Desk: What we learn from the Christmas bells

Church & Community

Christmas worship by Candlelight: Calendar for the week of Dec. 21

Local

State Police investigate Union Grove Road accident

Columns

Treasures on the Shelves: The best books of the Christmas season

Church & Community

Mary Simmons: A Psalm helps us remember the love of Jesus

Local

One person dies in Lunenburg hunting accident

Local

‘Keep the town charming’ : Kenbridge expands Christmas program

Education

Lunenburg Schools launch Eagle Awards, chosen by students, staff

Lifestyle Main

Christmas comes to Victoria through Friday’s parade

Local

Wanda Morrison wants to make an impact in Kenbridge