The Pike County Government is taking the necessary precautions as weather forecasters project temperatures over the next few days will soar into the 100s.

Tony Edwards of the National Weather Service in Jackson says record-high temperatures will be recorded over the next five days.

“Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day,” Edwards said. “Children, the elderly, or anyone with health problems should stay in the coolest available place.”

The weather forecast prompted Judge-Executive Wayne T. Rutherford and the Pike County Government to issue a burning ban, in effect until further notice, and to open cooling centers around the county.

“What we are doing is keeping people safe,” Rutherford said. “With temperatures this hot, children, the elderly and anyone with a medical condition are in grave danger and it is my duty to ensure everyone has a place to go so they can keep cool.”

Pike County’s senior citizens centers and community centers will be open regular hours, as well as Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will be used as cooling stations.

Pike County’s magistrates are also assisting in getting people in their district to the closest cooling station.

“It is important people take preventative measures when it comes to dangerous heat,” Pike County Emergency Services Coordinator Doug Tackett said. “It is also important that animals have fresh, cool water and shade.”

A list of cooling stations throughout the county is:
Pikeville Senior Citizens Center
Joes Creek Community Center
Shelby Valley Senior Citizens Center
Long Fork Park
Dorton Park
Elkhorn City Senior Citizens Center
Mouthcard Community Center
Marrowbone Senior Citizens Center
Greasy Creek Community Center
Phelps Senior Citizens Center
Kimper Community Center
Blackberry Senior Citizens Center
Bent Branch Community Center (Open Fork Park)
Belfry Senior Citizens Center

For more information, contact Pike County Community Services Director Carol Napier at 432-6246. In the event of an emergency, please call 911.