Toledo's Battle with Extreme Heat: Closures and Cooling Centers

Toledo is sweltering under some intense heat, and it's causing major disruptions. VanNess's Time Out Sports Bar in Fremont had to close its doors after the A/C decided to take a break on the same day the heat soared above 100 degrees. Owner Dean VanNess mentioned that his new system is on the way but will take a few days to arrive. Until then, he's trying to salvage what he can by running fans and keeping equipment cool. Small business problems, right?

Over in Tiffin, the excessive heat has postponed the start of the school year. Tiffin Columbian High School and three other buildings in the district don’t have central air, leading Superintendent Jerry Nadeau to postpone the first day of school and cancel classes for two days. They opted to start the school year on a better note once temperatures were more manageable.

The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department also had to follow suit and close its building at 635 N. Erie St. due to inefficient air conditioning. This means all clinical appointments for Reproductive Health and WIC at the downtown location will be rescheduled. They plan to resume operations once the heat wave subsides.

The National Weather Service isn’t bringing much relief either; they are expected to issue an Excessive Heat Watch for Lucas County. This heat wave is expected to push heat indices up to 105° and last until June 20. If you’re struggling with the heat, a number of cooling centers are opening up around the city and county. These include places like the J. Frank Troy Senior Center, the Salvation Army, and several branch libraries among others.

Remember, staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activities, and seeking air-conditioned environments are key to staying safe during this heat wave. Pay extra attention to symptoms of heat illnesses like confusion, dizziness, or slurred speech. If you see these signs, call 911 immediately and cool the person down while waiting for help.

Toledo’s residents can find more info and a map of cooling centers on the city's website. Stay cool out there, Toledo!