Toledo's Battle Against Extreme Heat: Closures and Community Efforts

In Toledo, OH, the recent stretch of extreme heat has thrown local businesses, schools, and health services into chaos. For many residents and small business owners, it's been a challenging and sweltering few days.

At VanNess’s Time Out Sports Bar in Fremont, owner Dean VanNess had to shut down operations because his air conditioner stopped working on August 27, 2024—the same day feels-like temperatures soared past 100 degrees. With a new system already ordered but not arriving until the end of the week, VanNess made the tough call to close the doors. He’s been trying to keep the equipment and products cool with fans in the meantime.

Over in Tiffin, the excessive heat also impacted Tiffin City Schools, which postponed the first day of school and cancelled classes for two days. Four buildings, including Tiffin Columbian High School, lacked central air, making it unbearable for students and staff. Superintendent Jerry Nadeau said they made the decision to start the school year on a positive note and felt cancelling classes due to the heat was the right thing to do. The new start date for the academic year now falls on August 29, 2024.

The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department also had to close its doors because their air conditioning wasn’t functioning adequately during these high temperatures. All clinical appointments for Reproductive Health and WIC at the downtown location were rescheduled, and the department announced they would resume normal operations on August 28. The department emphasized the importance of staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activities, and seeking air-conditioned environments.

As Toledo battled the extreme heat, the National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Watch for Lucas County starting June 17, with the heat index expected to peak at 105°F. The scorching temperatures were predicted to last until June 20. In response, several locations around Toledo opened their doors as cooling centers to provide relief for residents. These include the J. Frank Troy Senior Center, Salvation Army, TARTA Transit Hub, several library branches, and numerous senior centers across the city and Lucas County. It was advised that residents drink plenty of fluids, avoid the sun, and check on their neighbors and relatives during this period.

In the face of these challenges, Toledo is also focusing on long-term solutions. The city was chosen by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to participate in an Urban Heat Mapping campaign. This initiative aims to gather data on how heat affects various neighborhoods and to develop local, equitable solutions for communities facing the greatest risks. Volunteers and community scientists helped collect data, which will be used to inform strategies for creating a more climate-resilient city.

As part of its long-term strategy, the City of Toledo is investing in increasing its tree canopy through the RE-TREE Toledo project. Awarded $6,098,294 through the Urban and Community Forestry Program, this initiative aims to plant 10,748 new trees, enhancing resilience, equity, and engagement throughout the city. These trees will help combat the urban heat island effect and provide much-needed shade and cooling in the future.

As Toledo grapples with the immediate impacts of this heatwave, these community efforts and long-term strategies highlight the city's resilience and proactive approach to dealing with climate challenges. With collective action and forward-thinking planning, Toledo is not just weathering the storm but building a more sustainable future.