GASTONIA, N.C. — The city of Gastonia opened its indoor cooling shelter on Monday after concerns were raised by the city’s former outdoor setup.
Just two weeks ago, people were upset that their relief from the heat came from fans set up outside.
Today the people of Gastonia can go to an indoor cooling shelter, which is located inside the Salvation Army on Broad Street.
With rising temperatures, people say the reopening couldn’t have come at a better time.
“I have asthma. I get really bad sick in it,” said visitor Maklah Lipscomb. “My blood pressure goes up. I have to lay down and I feel like I can’t move.”
Volunteers have brought cold water and snacks for people living on the street to have once they enter the building. Along with finding a place to cool off, guests have been using the power to charge their phones. People are welcome from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The city is working on opening cooling stations that will provide misting fans and tents for when temperatures are predicted to be around 90 degrees.
“95 degrees or higher constitutes an emergency situation,” said Jennifer Stepp, a Gastonia City Council woman.
When temperatures exceed 95 degrees, the Salvation Army will be open for visitors.
While the opening of this cooling center is a start, Stepp said a permanent plan has to include help from the county. The city can’t assemble help from medics, social workers or support staff needed to do more than open a building.
The city will discuss future plans for cooling stations at the city council meeting next week.
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