BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBMA) — As temperatures climb across Birmingham, the city is activating a network of cooling stations to give residents a safe place to escape dangerous heat.
The City of Birmingham is partnering with community organizations, libraries, recreation centers and service providers to offer air-conditioned spaces where residents can cool down, hydrate and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. Cooling stations will be activated whenever temperatures reach 95 degrees or higher, including the heat index, or “feels like” temperature.
The effort is aimed at helping the city’s most vulnerable residents, including older adults, people experiencing homelessness, families without reliable air conditioning and anyone who needs relief from extreme temperatures.
“Extreme heat can be more than uncomfortable; it can be life-threatening,” said Alanah Melton, director of unhoused strategies for the City of Birmingham. “We want every resident to know there are safe, welcoming places throughout Birmingham where they can find relief, stay hydrated, and protect their health during periods of excessive heat.”
Cooling stations are available in every quadrant of the city. Locations include the Birmingham Public Library Central Branch, Five Points West Library, North Birmingham Library, Southside Library, Woodlawn Library, Harrison Recreation Center, the City of Birmingham’s Fitness Center, Faith Chapel Care Center, Firehouse Ministries, One Roof and Pathways.
Residents are encouraged to check on elderly family members, neighbors and friends during periods of extreme heat and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Cooling station locations and hours:
Central
Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place
Mondays, Wednesdays through Saturdays: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Tuesdays: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Faith Chapel Care Center, 921 2nd Ave. North
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Pathways, 409 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North
Monday through Friday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Firehouse Ministries, 626 2nd Ave. North
2-5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday
North
North Birmingham Library, 2501 31st Ave. N
Mondays-Fridays: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesdays: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fitness Center, 421 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd.
Monday-Friday: 5:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
West
Five Points West Library, 4812 Ave. W.
Mondays-Fridays: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
One Roof, 730 8th Ave. West
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
South
Harrison Recreation Center, 901 17th St. SW
Monday-Wednesday: noon-5:30 p.m.
Thursday: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Friday-Sunday: noon-5:30 p.m.
Southside Library, 1814 11th Ave. South
Mondays-Fridays: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
East
Woodlawn Library, 5709 1st Ave. N
Mondays-Fridays: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
