Fayetteville, Cumberland County to open offices in response to forecast

Staff report
·2 min read

In response to the forecast for excessive heat through Tuesday, several facilities in Cumberland County and Fayetteville will serve as cooling stations during normal business hours for those needing respite from the heat, Cumberland County Emergency Services Director Gene Booth said in a news release.

Forecasters have predicted high temperatures in the mid- to upper-90s with heat indexes as high as 110 degrees through the July 4th holiday.

Extreme heat and humidity significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working outdoors, the release said.

"Cumberland County Emergency Services reminds residents to take precautions during the hot weather. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, avoid strenuous work, check on relatives and neighbors, and never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles," the release said.

National Weather Service in Raleigh forecasts a scorcher for the holiday weekend with a high of 97 in Fayetteville on Monday and the heat index reaching 110 degrees.
National Weather Service in Raleigh forecasts a scorcher for the holiday weekend with a high of 97 in Fayetteville on Monday and the heat index reaching 110 degrees.

Cooling stations

• All eight Cumberland County Public Library locations are available as cooling stations. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Headquarters Library at 300 Maiden Lane, Fayetteville, along with the Cliffdale, North Regional, and Hope Mills branches are also open Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. All locations close at 6 p.m. on Monday and are closed Tuesday, July 4. To find your local library, visit cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/library-group/library.

• The Cumberland County Department of Social Services' auxiliary lobby, 1225 Ramsey St., is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. All public lobbies will be available to residents. Masks or face coverings are encouraged for those with preexisting conditions. The office s is closed on Tuesday, July 4.

• The first-floor lobby of the Cumberland County Department of Public Health, 1235 Ramsey St., is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Masks or face coverings are required in some areas and for those who've had a recent COVID-19 infection or close contact with someone who has. People with preexisting conditions are encouraged to wear a mask or face covering. The Health Department is closed on Tuesday, July 4.

• The lobbies of Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation Centers are open. Hours vary and can be found at fcpr.us/facilities/recreation-centers/. Recreation Centers are open July 4 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

• The lobby of the Fayetteville Area System of Transit, 505 Franklin St., is also open to the public 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Operating hours for FAST are posted at www.fayettevillenc.gov/city-services/transit/about-fast/operating-hours-schedules. FAST offices are closed and buses are not operating Tuesday, July 4.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fayetteville, Cumberland County open cooling stations