As dangerous heat settles across much of central Pennsylvania this week, emergency management agencies and community organizations are opening cooling centers to help residents escape the high temperatures.
The National Weather Service has issued various heat advisories from noon Wednesday through 8 p.m. Friday, with officials urging residents especially older adults, young children and those with medical conditions—to limit time outdoors, stay hydrated and seek air-conditioned spaces when possible.
Residents should also never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles and should watch for signs of heat-related illness, including dizziness, confusion, nausea and muscle cramps.
Cooling Centers:
Bedford County
**Cooling centers are available as needed. Residents seeking assistance should contact the Bedford County non-emergency line at 814-623-1105.
Blair County
**The Salvation Army, 1813 Sixth Ave., Altoona, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Open through July 2
Cambria County
**Cambria County Library, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
**Salvation Army, Vine Street, Johnstown, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
**Senior Center, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
**The Soup Kitchen, Open during normal business hours.
Somerset County
Cooling centers are available at Somerset County Area Agency on Aging senior centers:
**Somerset Senior Center – 1338 S. Edgewood Ave., Somerset
**Meyersdale Senior Center – 120 North St., Meyersdale
**Central City Senior Center – 103 Sunshine Ave., Central City
**Conemaugh Township Senior Center – 959 S. Main St., Hollsopple
**Windber Senior Center – 700 Fifth St., Suite 200, Windber
**Confluence Senior Center – 700 Reynolds St., Confluence
**Laurel Mountain Senior Center – 1609 W. Pitt St., Jennerstown
Officials encourage anyone without access to air conditioning to take advantage of these locations as temperatures remain well into the 90s through the end of the week.