Heat Wave

COLUMBUS – Another day of higher-than-normal temperatures and oppressive humidity has prompted officials in the Columbus City Schools to cancel classes on Wednesday.

The state’s largest school district dismissed its approximately 51,000 students early for a third day on Tuesday and Columbus city officials extended hours at four community centers where residents could cool off.

Heat Safety Tips:
Drink plenty of water – do not wait until you are thirsty.
Stay inside in air conditioning whenever possible.
Avoid beverages with alcohol, caffeine and sugar because they will dehydrate you.
Eat light meals
Wear lightweight, light colored clothing and a hat.
Stay in the shade
Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
-Source: Columbus Public Health

The district also held early dismissals twice last week.

Mayor Andrew Ginther has ordered four Columbus Recreation and Parks community centers to open to the public from noon until 9:00 p.m.:
Beatty Community Center, 247 N. Ohio Ave.
Dodge Community Center, 667 Sullivant Ave. (Open 8am-9pm)
Far East Community Center, 1826 Lattimer Dr.
Whetstone Community Center, 3923 N. High St. (Open 8am-9pm)
The following centers will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for seniors
Barnett Community Center, 1184 Barnett Rd.
Dodge Community Center, 667 Sullivant Ave.
Gillie Community Senior Center, 2100 Morse Rd.
Marion Franklin Community Center, 2801 Lockbourne Ave.
Martin Janis Community Senior Center, 600 E. 11th Ave.
Whetstone Community Center, 3923 N. High St.

All remaining community centers will be closed, but are scheduled to reopen with regular hours on Wednesday, according to Ginther’s office.

Akron Public Schools announced several schools without air conditioning would be closed Tuesday with temperatures expected to hit 92.

Cleveland city schools said they would close 18 buildings Tuesday, while Finneytown Local Schools in southwest Ohio also announced closings because of the heat.

Forecasts show temperatures in Ohio beginning to drop on Thursday.