News Summary
Columbia, South Carolina, faces extreme summer heat as local organizations open cooling stations to provide residents relief. Initiatives like Operation HEAT offer essential services, while fan programs target vulnerable populations. Authorities stress the importance of taking advantage of these resources to combat health risks during sweltering conditions.
Columbia, South Carolina is currently grappling with extreme summer heat, where the heat indices have soared beyond 100 degrees. In response to this oppressive climate, several local organizations have opened cooling stations and programs designed to provide relief for residents, ensuring they have places to recuperate from the sweltering conditions.
Cooling Stations Opened Across the State
Among the primary initiatives is Operation HEAT, an outreach program located at 2225 Main St., Columbia. This facility operates Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It offers individuals a range of services, including access to air-conditioned spaces, ice, water, hot meals, showers, laundry facilities, clean clothing, and hygiene products. Donations are also accepted to support the program’s efforts.
In Orangeburg, the City Gym serves as another crucial cooling station. Located at 410 Broughton St., Orangeburg, it is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for those seeking to escape the heat.
Additionally, O’Neal Street United Methodist Church in Newberry welcomes residents from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing lunch, cold drinks, and a space to cool down at 501 O’Neal Street.
Fan Programs for Residents in Need
Several towns have implemented programs to distribute box fans to residents, particularly targeting vulnerable populations. The Operation Cool Down initiative by the Town of Lexington and the Lexington Police Department offers free box fans to those in need, with options for delivery to residences. Residents can reach out to the Lexington Police at 111 Maiden Lane between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for assistance. Donations are encouraged, and interested individuals can contact Sgt. Cameron Mortenson at 803-358-1504 or via email.
The 2025 Fan the Heat Program by the Columbia Police Department specifically targets citizens aged 55 or older, as well as families with small children and individuals with health issues (doctor’s note required). Free box fans will be made available through the program, and residents can contact CPD’s Telephone Response Unit at 803-545-3991 or 3992 for further information.
Similar efforts continue in Newberry, with the Newberry Police Department circulating the city for residents aged 60 or older, families with small children, or those with significant illnesses (again requiring a doctor’s note) to distribute a limited supply of free box fans. Residents in need may contact the Newberry PD at 803-321-1010 to verify availability.
Lastly, Richland County’s Project HOPE offers a limited number of box fans, available to seniors aged 60 and above or families facing challenging situations, although air conditioning units are not provided.
Importance of Seeking Relief
These initiatives aim to combat the health risks associated with extreme heat, which can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Authorities encourage residents to take advantage of these cooling stations and programs to stay safe during the intense summer months.
Updates and additional information on cooling options in the area will be provided as it becomes available, ensuring that residents have access to necessary resources to withstand the heat.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Heat Alerts Across 20 States as Summer Sizzles On
Additional Resources
- WLTX – Local Cooling Spots
- WACH – Heat Index Soaring
- WLTX – Heat Advisory Alert
- ABC Columbia – Community Beat the Heat
- The State – Weather News
- Wikipedia: Heat Wave
- Google Search: Heat Relief Programs
- Google Scholar: Heat Health Risks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Heat
- Google News: Columbia SC Heat
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
