Guilford County urges residents to use cooling stations in extreme heat

Guilford County is directing residents to cooling stations in Greensboro and High Point as extreme heat settles over the county and raises the risk of heat-related illness, injury and death. Officials say children, older adults and people with underlying health conditions are most vulnerable when temperatures stay above average for several consecutive days.

The county’s summer 2026 cooling-station list includes Glenwood Together, 1310 Glenwood Ave., Greensboro; the Interactive Resource Center, 407 E. Washington St., Greensboro; and Tiny House Community Development’s HOPE Center, 360 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro. In High Point, the list names Oakwood Day Center, 2018 W. Green Dr.; Open Door Ministries, 400 N. Centennial St.; Salvation Army of High Point, 301 W. Green Dr.; and Triad Health Project, 501 W. Westwood Ave. County officials say the locations are partner sites, not county-run centers, and that availability can change, so residents should contact each center for details.

The cooling stations are meant to give people a safe place with air conditioning while they hydrate, cut back on outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day and check on neighbors who may struggle in the heat. Guilford County is also warning families never to leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, even for a short time.

Officials are urging residents to know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion can bring headache, dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating and muscle cramps. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency that can cause confusion, loss of consciousness, body temperatures above 103 degrees and hot, dry skin. Anyone showing heat stroke symptoms should call 911 immediately.

The county is also steering people to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Heat Health Alert System, which sends email warnings from May 1 to Sept. 30 when the daily maximum heat index is expected to reach dangerous levels. NCDHHS says the alerts are available in English and Spanish, and that the system was built from years of North Carolina health and weather data, with thresholds developed alongside the Duke University Nicholas Institute Heat Policy Innovation Hub.

The warnings come as local medical calls are already climbing. Guilford County EMS director Scott Muthersbaugh said the county logged 44 heat-related calls during a 90-day assessment period that began the week of April 13, and that calls doubled from one week to the next as temperatures rose. Statewide, NCDHHS reported more than 500 heat-related emergency department visits in May alone, a sharp reminder that the most dangerous part of summer often arrives before July.