Dayton, Ohio – As temperatures and humidity levels climb across the region, city officials in Dayton are urging residents to take precautions and stay safe during potentially dangerous heat conditions.
The City of Dayton and the Dayton Fire Department issued a warning as weather forecasts predicted heat index values reaching as high as 100 degrees through 8 p.m. on June 11. Officials stressed that extreme heat can create health risks, especially for older adults, young children, people with medical conditions, and those who spend long periods outdoors.
To help residents find relief from the heat, the city has made several public facilities available as cooling centers.
Recreation centers available as cooling centers
Dayton is using three recreation centers as designated cooling centers where residents can escape the heat and spend time in an air-conditioned environment.
The centers are open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Residents can visit the Greater Dayton Recreation Center at 2021 W. Third Street, the Lohrey Recreation Center at 2366 Glenarm Avenue, or the Northwest Recreation Center at 1600 Princeton Drive.
City officials strongly encouraged residents to remain indoors in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible during the hottest part of the day. For those who must be outside, officials advised seeking shade whenever available and drinking more water than usual to avoid dehydration.
In addition to indoor cooling locations, Dayton residents also have access to several free splash pads and spray parks throughout the city.
The city said these locations offer a fun and effective way for children, families, and individuals of all ages to cool off during periods of extreme heat. All splash pad locations are free to use and operate daily from noon until 8 p.m.
The available locations include Fairview Park on Elsmore Avenue, Five Oaks Spray Park on Five Oaks Avenue, Mallory Park on Germantown Street, McIntosh Park on West Riverview Avenue, Stuart Patterson Spray Park on Baltimore Street, Walnut Hills Spray Park on Wayne Avenue, and Washington Park on East Second Street.
Looking out for neighbors and pets
City officials also emphasized the importance of community awareness during hot weather events. Residents were encouraged to check on neighbors, especially those who may be elderly, live alone, or have health conditions that could make them more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
Officials reminded pet owners that animals are also at risk during excessive heat. They encouraged residents to ensure pets have access to fresh water, shade, and appropriate shelter throughout the day.
The warning comes as heat and humidity combine to create conditions that can feel significantly hotter than the actual air temperature. Health experts often caution that prolonged exposure to such conditions can lead to heat exhaustion or other heat-related illnesses if proper precautions are not taken.
With temperatures expected to remain high through the evening, city leaders are encouraging residents to make use of available cooling resources, stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity when possible, and keep an eye on friends, family members, neighbors, and pets until conditions improve.
