TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Extreme heat warnings were issued along the Big Bend and in South Georgia on Tuesday, as residents faced potentially dangerous temperatures and later dodged severe thunderstorms.
In Tallahassee, many people started their day early trying to beat the heat with bottled water and ice cream. Others sought relief indoors at the Leon County libraries, which were opened as cooling stations as the city fell under an extreme heat warning.
“It is very hot outside and also it being a library it’s a great opportunity for people to come together and also read a book or have activities going on while it’s being hot outside also being in a cooling area,” said Rachel Happer-Lawrence, a Leon County resident.
The county’s library cooling stations offered air conditioning, water and a safe place for people to cool down.
“It’s good because it be so hot, you can fall out. It’s hot out here Man,” said Leon County resident Samual Cosby.
The libraries also provided shelter as late afternoon storms moved into the area.
“It’s a good thing, being I know a lot of homeless people in the community and some people charge for water. So by you being able to have this necessity and be able to step out and come here and get you some water and stuff like that and nobody showing you away I think it’s real important,” said Leon County resident Alejandro Thomas.
Visiting the library is free while people cool off. Experts said hydration is key to safeguarding against heat stroke.