BRAZORIA COUNTY, TX — As summer heat continues across Brazoria County, local libraries and community organizations are opening their doors to help residents stay cool.
Brazoria County announced that the Brazoria County Library System, in partnership with United Way of Brazoria County and the Brazoria County Dream Center, has established cooling centers throughout the county for residents needing relief from extreme heat.
According to the county, the cooling centers are intended to help residents during periods of high temperatures and elevated humidity. County officials noted that extreme heat can create increased health risks, especially for infants, elderly residents, and people with respiratory illnesses.
The cooling centers are available now and are expected to remain available through the end of September.
Brazoria County libraries will be accessible as cooling centers when the heat index is forecast to reach 100 degrees or higher. The libraries will be available Monday through Saturday during their regular scheduled hours.
Residents can find the nearest Brazoria County library by visiting the Brazoria County Library System website at mybcls.org.
The Brazoria County Dream Center is also participating again this year as a designated cooling center, though the county said it will operate at limited capacity due to staffing constraints.
The Dream Center, located at 794 Brazosport Blvd. S. in Clute, will serve as a cooling and charging site during regular daytime hours, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Dream Center will also continue providing water and essential survival items to people experiencing homelessness and others in need during extreme heat.
Brazoria County officials said the effort is meant to protect residents during dangerous heat conditions by providing accessible places where people can cool off.
The county is also asking for bottled water donations to help support the cooling centers. Businesses, organizations, and individuals who want to donate cases of bottled water can drop them off at any of the 12 Brazoria County libraries or at the Library Administration office at 912 N. Velasco Street in Angleton.
Residents are encouraged to take heat seriously, avoid prolonged exposure when possible, check on elderly neighbors and family members, and use cooling centers if they do not have access to a safe, cool place during periods of extreme heat.
Source:
https://www.brazoriacountytx.gov/Home/Components/News/News/2273/