Detroit Health Department Respite Centers Update Providing Relief from Ozone and Heat

2023

With an Air Quality Index expected to be in the “Yellow” range on Wednesday, August 23 air quality in the City of Detroit will be hazardous for individuals that are unusually sensitive to ozone. Temperatures are also forecast to reach 90 degrees on Thursday, August 24 and to provide residents with relief from the heat and poor air quality conditions, Detroit Recreation Centers and Detroit Public Library branches are available during normal operating hours to serve as respite centers.

The following Recreation Centers are open as follows:

  • Adams Butzel Complex, 10500 Lyndon (M-F, 8:00 a.m. –  8:00 p.m.; closed Saturdays)
  • Butzel Family Center, 7737 Kercheval Avenue (M-F, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
  • Clemente Recreation Center, 2631 Bagley (M-F, 1:00 p.m. –  9:00 p.m.)
  • Farwell Recreation Center, 2711 E. Outer Drive (M-F, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; closed Saturdays)
  • Lasky Recreation Center, 13200 Fenelon (M-F, 12:00 p.m.  –  8:00 p.m.; closed Saturdays)
  • Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers (M-F, 8:00 a.m. –  9:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m.)
  • Patton Recreation Center, 2301 Woodmere (M-F, 8:00 a.m. –  8:00 p.m.; closed Saturdays)
  • Kemeny Recreation Center, 2260 S. Fort (M-F, 8:00 a.m. –  8:00 p.m.; closed Saturdays)
  • Crowell Recreation Center, 16630 Lahser (M-F, 1:00 p.m. –  9:00 p.m.; closed Saturdays)
  • Heilmann Recreation Center, 19601 Crusade (M-F, 8:00 a.m. –  8:00 p.m.; closed Saturdays)

All Detroit Public Library branches are available during their normal operating hours for residents to stay cool, excluding Duffield and Wilder branches. The Main Library is open weekdays and also on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Please check www.detroitpubliclibrary.org/locations for specific times.

“We want everyone to have a place where they can go to avoid the heat and be safe when there are unhealthy air levels, as smoke from wildfires in Canada continues to have an impact on Southeast Michigan,” said Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo. “The Detroit Health Department is collaborating with the City of Detroit Parks & Recreation, the Detroit Public Library Department to provide access to cooling centers in neighborhoods across the city.”

For people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens, the Health Department recommends the following steps to reduce exposure:

  • Stay indoors as much as possible
  • Keep windows and doors closed, if possible
  • Move physical activities indoors or reschedule them
  • Be sure to wear a mask
  • Refrain from any outdoor strenuous activity

Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo stated the Health Department encourages all residents to sign up to receive Detroit Alerts 365 texts, e-mails, and phone alerts for up-to-date recommendations and important alerts from the Detroit Health Department.

Residents can sign up at https://detroitmi.gov/departments/homeland-security-emergency-management-detroit/emergency-preparedness/detroit-alerts-365.

Please check www.airnow.gov for up-to-date air quality conditions in your area.