Parts of Georgia have a 'Code Orange' air alert. Here's what to know and how to find cooling centers

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A Code Orange air quality alert is in effect for Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division has issued a Code Orange (unhealthy for sensitive groups) air quality alert. 

Under Code Orange conditions, the outdoor air quality is likely to be unhealthy for some people. Children, people who are sensitive to ozone, and people with heart or lung disease should limit prolonged outdoor exertion during the late afternoon or early evening when ozone concentrations are highest.

Airnow.gov provides an air quality alert for your zip code.

If you check it in the morning, the ozone levels may be safe, but an ozone reading of 119 is predicted for Atlanta Wednesday, which prompted the Code Orange alert.

Even if the forecast is Orange (unhealthy for sensitive groups), there may be times during the day when air quality is OK for outdoor activities. Ozone is often lower in the morning. Check current air quality to see if now is a good time for you to be active outdoors.

According to Airnow.gov, people with lung disease such as asthma, children and teens, older adults, and people who are routinely active outdoors for six or more hours a day: Reduce your exposure by choosing less strenuous activities or shortening the amount of time you are active outdoors.

Cooling centers in Georgia

If you do not have shelter from the heat or access to good airflow, such as fans or air conditioners, there are options called cooling centers that may be able to help you stay cool during peak sun and ozone hours.

The City of Atlanta opened a new cooling center this weekend to help residents find a place to cool down as the summer temperatures rise throughout the city.

The cooling center is at Selena Butler Park and Recreation Center located at 98 WM Holmes Borders Dr. S.E., Atlanta, GA 30312.

The center is open to the public through Friday, June 28, 2024 and water will be provided to residents visiting the cooling center.

United Way of Greater Atlanta suggests calling the 211 Contact Center to connect with someone who can recommend resources and referrals for everyday needs and times of crisis, including sheltering from the heat or cold.

Georgia residents can dial 211 number to be referred to the closest cooling center near in their area.

Below is a list of community centers and parks around the state that often serve as cooling centers along with their general opening hours.

Please call ahead to see if the center in your area has different hours or is serving as a cooling center.

Augusta

Bernie Ward Community Center

Address: 1941 Lumpkin Road, Augusta, GA 30906

Number: (706) 790-0588

Hours: Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Blythe Area Recreation Center

Address: 3129 Highway 88, Blythe, GA 30805

Number: (706) 592-4988

Hours: Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Carrie J. Mays Community Center

Address: 1014 11th Avenue, Augusta, GA 30901

Number: (706) 821-2827

Hours: Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Diamond Lakes Regional Park

Address: 4335 Windsor Spring Road, Hephzibah, GA 30815

Number: (706) 772-2418

Hours: Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dyess Park

Address: 902 James Brown Boulevard, Augusta, GA 30901

Number: (706) 821-2877

Hours: Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Henry H. Brigham Community Center

Address: 2463 Golden Camp Road, Augusta, GA 30906

Number: (706) 771-2654

Hours: Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

May Park Community Center

Address: 622 4th Street, Augusta, GA 30901

Number: (706) 724-0504

Hours: Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

McBean Community Center

Address: 1155 Hephzibah-McBean Road, Hephzibah, GA 30815

Number: (706) 560-2628

Hours: Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

McDuffie Woods Community Center

Address: 3431 Old McDuffie Road, Augusta, GA 30906

Number: (706) 771-2656

Hours: Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sand Hills Community Center

Address: 2540 Wheeler Road, Augusta, GA 30904

Number: (706) 842-1912

Hours: Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Warren Road Community Center

Address: 300 Warren Road, Augusta, GA 30907

Number: (706) 860-2833

Hours: Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Columbia County

Bessie Thomas Community Center - Columbia County Senior Center And Columbia County Transit

Address: 5913 Euchee Creek Dr, Grovetown, GA 30813

Number: (706) 556-0807

Hours: Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Eubanks Blanchard Community Center

Address: 6868 Cobbham Rd, Appling, GA 30802

Number: (706) 868-3349

Hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Grovetown (Liberty) Park

Address: 1040 Newmantown Rd, Grovetown, GA 30813

Number: (706) 863-4576

Hours: Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Harlem Senior Center

Address: 405 W. Church St., Harlem, GA 30814

Number: (706) 449-8400

Hours: Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Marietta

MUST Ministries - Hope House (Weather Shelter)

Address: 1297 Bells Ferry Rd, Marietta, GA 30066

Number: (678) 218-4531

Hours: noon to 6:30 p.m. through June 27

Savannah

Grant Center

Address: 1310 Richards Ave.

Number: (912) 651-6784

Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Eastside Regional Center

Address: 415 Goebel Ave.

Number: (912) 651-6807

Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Hudson Hill Center

Address: 2227 Hudson St.

Number: (912) 238-9385

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Delaware Center

Address: 1815 Lincoln St.

Number: (912) 651-6793

Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tompkins Regional Center

Address: 2333 Ogeechee Road

Number: (912) 651-6789

Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Windsor Forest Regional Center

Address: 414 Briarcliff Circle

Number: (912) 921-2105

Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

W.W. Law Regional Center

Address: 900 E. Bolton St.

Number: (912) 651-6787

Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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