WILSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Wilson County is closely monitoring these hot temperatures. If an excessive heat warning is issued, several cooling shelters could open on the fairgrounds.

On top of that, Wilson County EMA is also preparing for another round of intense heat.   

“We are, as per the usual, anticipating high heat, high humidity,” Maegan Eldridge, Wilson County EMA PIO said.

Eldridge is loading up to hand out Gatorade, water, and cooling towels to the most vulnerable. “I go down South Hartmann, then go all the way down the square.”

It’s a route she did last week when temperatures were in the 90s. “I probably handed out three to four cases of Gatorade and three to four cases of water, and 50 cooling towels were distributed,” Eldridge said. 

For the first time this year, Wilson County EMA will open cooling centers on the fairgrounds if an excessive heat warning is issued, which means ambient temperatures exceed 103 degrees and the heat index rises above 105 degrees.

“That's homelessness, people living in their cars, if a family’s AC goes out, they are all welcome here, pets are welcome, just put them on a leash,” Eldridge said. 

It's an idea that started during the winter, when Wilson County opened its first warming shelter and provided a warm place to sleep at night for close to 100 people.

Eldridge said this became a priority as Wilson County continues to see growth in the unhoused community.

“A lot of growth. There is a tremendous amount of growth, and I feel like every time I go out for the heat advisory, I see more people out, and I wish we could do more, but we are doing all that we can,” Eldridge said.

If the cooling center opens, you will be notified online as well as on the Wilson County EMA app. WEMA will provide transportation as well as cots, drinks, and light snacks.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/wilson-county-prepares-to-open-first-ever-cooling-shelter-in-case-of-excessive-heat-warning/