Laurens County Emergency Management Opens Cooling Centers to Help Residents Beat the Heat

With dangerously high temperatures expected in the coming days, Laurens County Emergency Management is partnering with several local agencies to open temporary cooling centers throughout the county. The centers will be open from Friday, July 25 through Tuesday, July 29, offering residents a safe place to cool down and hydrate during the heatwave.

“These cooling centers are a simple but vital resource,” said Sonny Ledda, Director of Laurens County Emergency Management. “Extreme heat can be dangerous, especially for vulnerable populations. We want to make sure everyone in Laurens County has a safe place to go if they need relief from the heat.”

What is a Cooling Center?
Cooling centers are designated indoor spaces where individuals can:

•Get out of the heat

•Sit and rest

•Access free bottled water

Please note that cooling centers are not overnight shelters. They are intended for short-term relief during the hottest hours of the day.

Transportation Options
If transportation is a concern, you may call the Laurens County Dispatch Center at 864-984-2523 to inquire if assistance is available. However, transportation is not guaranteed, so residents are encouraged to make their own travel arrangements whenever possible.

Stay Alert for Updates
Because this is a coordinated response with multiple agencies, times and locations are subject to change. Laurens County Emergency Management will share updates through official social media channels and community partners.

Emergency Response
If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of a heat-related illness—such as dizziness, confusion, nausea, or fainting—call 9-1-1 immediately.

Ledda urges residents to check on neighbors, especially seniors and those without air conditioning, and to take basic precautions: “Drink plenty of water, avoid outdoor activity during peak heat, and take care of one another. We’re all in this together,” he said.

Any updates to locations centers and times will be posted on their Facebook page.