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Summer Heat Safety

We're facing extreme temperatures this summer. This heat can especially impact older adults. We have a few recommendations for things that can help:

  • Stay hydrated with water and wear lightweight clothing
  • Stay cool in an air-conditioned area, or if you don't have air, utilize cold compresses and box fans. If you are in need of a box fan, Senior Neighbors has these available.
  • Use public transportation options to get to locations rather than walking or biking in extreme heat. In Kent County, RideLink is available to individuals over 60.
  • Senior centers are a great place for older adults to gather and socialize while beating the heat.
  • If you aren't an older adult yourself, check in on your senior neighbors, make sure they have what they need, and support them as you are able.
  • The State of Michigan has a website dedicated to valuable information regarding extreme weather at https://www.michigan.gov/miready. 

If you need assistance connecting to resources, you can call the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at (616) 456-5664. Below you will also find a list of cooling centers in our area:

  • Alano Club of Kent County (1020 College Ave NE)
    • Cooling center hours Monday-Friday, 7:30am - 9:00pm, Saturday-Sunday, 8:30 am - 9:00 pm
  • Grand Rapids Public Library
    • All GRPL locations continue to be open to everyone during normal business hours, which can be found here.
  • Kent District Library
  • Exodus Place (322 Front Ave SW)
    • The facility will be open from 9:00am - 9:00pm to non-members during days of extreme heat. 
  • Mel Trotter (Locations at 225 Commerce Ave SW & 200 S Division)
    • Cooling center hours are 7AM to 3PM daily.
    • Emergency shelter hours are 3PM to 7AM daily. Guests will be allowed into shelter as they need.
    • There will be water coolers available at the entrances, and no services are lifted for non-violent offenses. Overnight bed assignment at 2:30 p.m.
  • Degage Ministries (144 Division Ave S)
    • The community center will remain open from 7:00am-7:00pm and will operate as a cooling center if it is above 90 degrees. 

  • West Grand Neighborhood Organization (754 Leonard St NW #2)

    • Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Weekends will only be as staffing allows; call (616) 451-0150 first.

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