Fairfax County activates ‘heat plan’

In response to rising temperatures, Fairfax County has activated its “heat plan” for Thursday and Friday to help at-risk residents keep cool.  

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Thursday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for Northern Virginia, with “heat values up to 106 expected.”

An excessive heat watch is in effect for Friday morning through Friday evening, with “dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110 possible.”

The NWS says, “Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.”

Fairfax County’s heat plan calls for cooling centers to be available during normal operating hours for individuals needing relief from the extreme heat.

Cooling centers in the Annandale/Mason District area are in George Mason Regional Library, Thomas Jefferson Library, Wilson Library, the Bailey’s and James Lee community centers, the Willston Multicultural Center, the Audrey Moore and Providence rec centers, and the Heritage Center office.

To help people cope with the heat, the cooling centers have bottled water, sunscreen, insect repellant, and body wipes.

Fairfax County also distributes supplies through outreach workers and other partners who go out into the community to check on shelters, drop-in centers, meal sites, and unsheltered residents.

In addition, the county’s three emergency shelters for single adults, including the Bailey’s Crossroads Community Shelter, will activate day and night overflow shelter capacity.