Heat prompts mist stations, safety check program
Published 9:59 am Wednesday, June 27, 2012
By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor
Alabaster officials have set up several “misting stations” throughout the city and have established a system to allow residents to report at-risk people during the area’s triple-digit summer weather.
With temperatures predicted to be near 100 over the next several days, Alabaster officials are working to install misting stations at Veterans Park near Pavilion 7 and near the playground at the front of the park to keep residents cool.
The city also is installing misting stations near the gazebos at Buck Creek Park off Sixth Avenue Southwest and at Abbey Wooley Park off Simmsville Road.
The stations, which will spray mist to help park visitors cool off while outside during the heat wave, will be installed by Thursday, June 28, said Alabaster City Administrator George Henry.
The Alabaster Senior Center off Seventh Street Southwest also will be open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1 to offer residents a cool place to stay during the heat of the day.
The city also has set up a “safety check” program to allow residents to request city officials check on them, their family members, neighbors or friends who may be at risk during the heat.
“We are aware that extreme heat and humidity creates an environment that can further stress at-risk individuals, and we want to do all we can to assist,” said Alabaster Mayor David Frings. “We will have members of the police and fire departments deployed throughout the city and will check on residents as requested.”
By visiting Cityofalabaster.com and clicking the “Resident Safety Check Program” link on the “Residents” tab at the top of the page, residents can fill out a form requesting an Alabaster police officer or other city official check on them, an at-risk friend, family member or neighbor.
A safety check request can also be called in to the Alabaster Police Department at 663-7401.