A cooling center is a facility that has been opened for short term operations due to a specific emergency or event. They are normally opened when hot temperatures may become dangerous, such as the current heat wave forecast for Southern Maine.
Interestingly, many of the cooling centers are also warming centers in the winter or places where you can shower or charge your phones after a natural disaster or winter storm. They tend to be public places that are easily accessible to many Mainers. Think YMCA locations, libraries and municipal offices.
Where You’ll Find Cooling Centers in Southern Maine
Last year, during a heat wave, the Maine Emergency Management Agency’s website had a list of cooling centers in Southern Maine. This list is based on that information and we’re working hard to confirm it is still accurate. Nonetheless, it’s a good place to start if you need someplace to go to stay cool during a heat event.
York County Cooling Centers
- Arundel Town Hall, 257 Limerick Road, Arundel
- Berwick Fire Department, 3 Public Safety Way, Berwick
- Cornish Municipal Office, 17 Maple St., Cornish
- DA Hurd Library, 41 High St, North Berwick
- Kennebunk Free Library, 112 Main St., Kennebunk
- Kittery Community Center, 120 Rogers Rd, Kittery
- Kittery Town Hall, 185 Rogers Rd, Kittery
- McArthur Library, 270 Main St., Biddeford
- North Lebanon 2nd Baptist Church, 259 Bakers Grant Rd, Lebanon
- Old Orchard Beach Recreation Complex, 140 Saco Ave, Old Orchard Beach
- Rice Public Library, 8 Wentworth St., Kittery
- Salvation Army, 2 6th Street, Old Orchard Beach
- York Beach Fire Department, 15 Railroad Ave., York Beach
- York Center for Active Living, 36 Main St., York
- York Public Library, 15 Long Sands Rd., York
Cumberland County Cooling Centers
- Bridgton Community Center, 15 Depot St, Bridgton
- North Yarmouth Fire Rescue Station, 463 Walnut Hill Rd, North Yarmouth
- Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Portland
- South Portland City Hall, 25 Cottage Road, South Portland
- South Portland Public Library, 482 Broadway, South Portland
- Troubh Ice Arena, 225 Park Avenue, Portland
Cooling Centers That Allow Pets
Only one of the above-mentioned cooling centers specifically mentions that pets are welcome and that is on a space-available basis. It is the North Yarmouth Fire Rescue Station.
Other Tips During Extreme Heat Events
Even though we do not get many days of extreme heat in Maine, heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) recommends the following tips to protect yourself, loved ones, and neighbors during periods of high heat:
Keep cool inside
Use air conditioning in your home, or go to an air-conditioned public place like a store, public library, restaurant, or cooling center. If you can’t access air conditioning, take frequent cool showers or baths. Cool your home by closing windows and shades during the day and opening them back up at night.
Keep cool outside
If you have to be outdoors, stay out of the sun as much as possible (or shift your activities to the early morning or evening, as long as the air quality is good), take frequent breaks from activity, and wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing, a hat, and sunscreen.
Stay hydrated
Drink more fluids than usual, even if you don’t feel thirsty, and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks if possible. Check with your doctor first if you take water pills or diuretics.
Know the symptoms
Monitor yourself and those around you. Seek medical care if anyone experiences symptoms like muscle cramps, very heavy sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, confusion, weakness, or nausea.
Check on your family, neighbors, and friends
Be sure to check in on those around you who live alone, who don’t have air conditioning, or who might otherwise need assistance.
Final thoughts
As mentioned earlier, in many towns and cities, the public library is a reliable cooling center. If you find yourself needing a place to go to stay cool — and are looking for something to do — we’ve included a list of library activities for the coming week.
Did you know that the Wells/Ogunquit Senior Center at 300 Post Road in Wells is also a cooling center and serves as a warming center in very cold weather?
Thank you for sharing!