Community, charging centers open as power outages continue

CLEVELAND (WJW) — As many in Northeast Ohio are dealing with storm damage and power outages near their homes, multiple communities are opening up cooling centers to help people find a place to recuperate and even charge their phones.

Helpful Links:

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Where to get free water, ice while power’s out

Where shelf-stable meals are being distributed

Where to refill oxygen tanks in Cuyahoga County

Here’s a list of places open to the public we have so far:

Berea

Residents in the area can access the Berea Recreation Center, located at 451 Front Street, for recharging, hygiene needs, and working out. (This applies to Brook Park residents.)

Cleveland

Four city of Cleveland recreation and resource centers are open with extended hours until 11 p.m. so residents can cool off and have access to Wi-Fi:

• Collinwood, 16300 Lake Shore Blvd.; Wi-Fi, no air conditioning

• Zelma George, 3155 MLK Jr. Blvd.; Wi-Fi, air conditioning

• Cudell, 1910 West Blvd.; Wi-Fi, partial air conditioning

• Michael Zone, 6301 Lorain Ave.; Wi-Fi, air conditioning

Cleveland Liberation Center is also supporting the community during the mass power outages. The center is offering free WiFi, AC, power stations, food, activities, and more.

Cuyahoga County

The Cuyahoga County Public Library announced extended hours to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10 at Memorial-Nottingham, West Park, and Woodland campuses. Earlier posts to social media said, 21 CCPL branches are open for those who need access to air conditioning, electricity, and Wi-Fi. You can find updates on locations and details on the library system’s Facebook page.

Lakewood

Residents without power who need to cool off and/or charge devices can visit Cove Community Center at 12525 Lake Avenue. the center will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting Friday. Hayes Elementary School will no longer serve this purpose.

Lorain

The Lorain Public Library system has five branches open for patrons needing access to the internet, to charge their mobile devices or to simply sit in the air conditioning. Mobile charging stations are available at the Main Library, North Ridgeville and South Lorain branches. The main library, Domonkas branch and South Lorain Branch are still offering the Summer Lunch Program to those aged 18 and under.

Mentor

The Mentor Senior Center, located at 8484 Munson Road, is open for charging but no classes or activities are taking place, although lunch will be served to seniors as usual.

The following places are open in the city:

• Mentor Municipal Center

• Morton Pool

Middleburg Heights

Until power is restored, the City of Middleburg Heights Recreation Center will remain open for residents who need to shelter, recover, and recharge cell phones and other light electrical equipment.

The Middleburg Heights Community Center is also open is also open overnight for residents in need of shelter or a place to charge their electronics.

Parma Heights

According to the Parma Heights Police Department, the city had a charging center available Thursday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Valley Forge High School. Check the police department’s Facebook page for updates.

Westlake

According to a city alert, those experiencing a power outage can visit the Community Services Building to charge phones or escape the heat. The building is located at 28975 Hilliard Blvd. The Westlake Porter Public Library is also offering a safe space with internet and power.

The Recreation Center will open up its community rooms for residents who need access to restrooms, phone charging, and air conditioning. The community rooms will be open Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Note: The locker rooms and showers will not be available.)

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