The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana counties from noon Friday until 8 p.m. Saturday.

Several communities in the Valley are offering a place to get some relief for those who don't have access to air conditioning.

The following locations will serve as cooling stations over the next few days.

Mahoning County

  • New Middletown Municipal Building Council Chamber - New Middletown - 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. beginning Thursday - police will monitor an indoor kennel for pets,
  • Ellsworth Township - Trustees will open fire station for people in need. Contact Chief Edward Smith 330-207-6606

Trumbull County

  • Salvation Army - 270 Franklin Street, Warren - open 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday
  • Vienna Township Fire Department - 833 Youngstown Kingsville Road, Vienna - open 10 a.m. until dark, Friday and Saturday.
  • Glo Fitness, Tanning and Nails - 1839 Elm Road, Warren - open during business hours, water will be provided.
  • Niles Wellness Center - 213 Sharkey Dr. Niles. Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Vending machines, water available.
  • Howland Township Administration Building Meeting Room - 205 Niles Cortland Rd., NE -  Open during regular business hours 8 a.m to 4:30 p.m.
  • Cortland Christian Church - 153 Grove Drive - Thursday, July 18th, and Friday, July 19th from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Columbiana County

  • East Liverpool Community and Learning Center - 110 Main Blvd. - Friday, Saturday, Sunday, noon until 8 p.m., Kids movies, and activities.
  • Leetonia American Legion - 540 Main St. - Friday, 3 p.m to 8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Food and drinks available

Mercer County

  • Greenville American Legion Post 140 - 278 Main St. - Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Red Cross is offering the following advice for coping with the heat:

Listening to local weather forecasts and staying aware of upcoming temperature changes.

Being aware of both the temperature and the heat index. The heat index is the temperature the body feels when the effects of heat and humidity are combined.

Discussing heat safety precautions with members of your household. Have a plan for wherever you spend time— home, work, and school—and prepare for power outages.

Checking the contents of your emergency disaster kit in case a power outage occurs.

Knowing those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick, or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help.

Choosing places you could go to for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day (schools, libraries, theaters, malls).

Being aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heatwave than are people living in rural areas.

Getting trained in First Aid to learn how to treat heat-related emergencies.

Ensuring that your animals' needs for water and shade are met.

During a heatwave, residents are encouraged to:

Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service (NWS).

Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

Eat small meals and eat more often.

Avoid extreme temperature changes.

Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.

Slow down, stay indoors, and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.

Postpone outdoor games and activities.

Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.

Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.

Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.

Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.

More information can be found on our blog here: https://neoredcross.org/