MOUNT VERNON — With temperatures rising and thousands of Knox County residents still without electricity after Monday night’s storm, several local agencies have stepped up to the plate, opening their doors to the public and serving as cooling stations during the heat wave.
Here’s a list of places where residents can go if they need to cool off, clean up and charge those electrical devices this week:
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The Station Break
160 Howard St., Mount Vernon
June 14 and 15, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This venue will offer air conditioning and electrical outlets, where residents can charge their phones.
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YMCA of Mount Vernon
103 N. Main St., Mount Vernon
June 14 and 15, 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The public will be able to use the facility’s showers free-of-charge during the power outage. Non-members will simply need to fill out a guest pass (all fees will be waived).
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Fredericktown Police Department
182 S. Main St., Fredericktown
June 14 and 15, all hours
This venue will offer air conditioning and electrical outlets, where residents can charge their phones.
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Knox Public Health
11660 Upper Gilchrist Rd., Mount Vernon
June 14 and 15, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This venue will offer air conditioning and electrical outlets, where residents can charge their phones.
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Gambier Community Center
115 Meadow Ln., Gambier
June 15, until 3 p.m.
This venue will offer air conditioning and electrical outlets, where residents can charge their phones.
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Mount Vernon Fire Department (Gambier station)
102 E. Brooklyn St., Gambier
June 15, all hours
This venue will offer air conditioning and electrical outlets, where residents can charge their phones.
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Knox County Board of Elections Office
104 E. Sugar St., Mount Vernon
June 15-17, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This venue will offer air conditioning and electrical outlets, where residents can charge their phones.
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Martinsburg Activity Center
122 W. Liberty St., Martinsburg
June 15 (time undefined)
This venue will offer air conditioning and electrical outlets, where residents can charge their phones.
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Bladensburg Fire Department (Station 1)
3790 S. Market St., Bladensburg
June 15, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
This venue will offer air conditioning and electrical outlets, where residents can charge their phones.
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The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for Knox County on Wednesday, citing an expected heat index of at least 106 degrees. The warning will last from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
“Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur,” the NWS warned Tuesday. “Lingering power outages and clean-up efforts will increase the impact of the hot weather.”
The NWS advised residents in the affected area – which also includes Richland and Crawford counties – to “drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
“Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances,” the agency continued. “Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.”
The NWS advised residents to “know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.
“To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments,” the agency continued. “Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency. Call 9-1-1.”
Thousands in Knox County woke up without electricity Tuesday, following an overnight storm that ravaged north central Ohio with high winds and torrential rainfall.
Numbers from Knox County’s four main electrical providers – AEP, The Energy Cooperative, Ohio Edison (FirstEnergy) and Consolidated Electric Co-Op – indicate more than 20,000 Knox County customers remained without power as of Tuesday afternoon.
For inquiries or more information on cooling stations and other local services, call Emily Morrison at 740-504-3598.
