YORK COUNTY – Several York County communities and organizations have announced the availability of cooling stations this weekend, when temperatures and humidity are expected to soar.

The National Weather Service in Gray said an Excessive Heat Watch has been issued for coastal and interior York County, which is most likely to see heat index values (what is feels like) of 105 F or more. Hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are possible, according to the NWS.

Residents are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances, the NWS noted. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

“Heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable,” said Nirav D. Shah, Director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  “With hot weather, we are especially concerned about older Mainers, particularly those who live alone, because they are more likely to have serious health problems. Keeping cool, drinking adequate fluids, and lying low, along with looking after our neighbors, families, and friends will help us all to stay healthy during heat waves this summer.”

Signs of heat-related illnesses include dry, hot, red skin; a rapid pulse; a high temperature; headache; confusion or loss of alertness; rapid breathing; unconsciousness or coma, said Shah, who advised calling 911 if you notice someone with these signs. The person should be moved out of the sun, loosen their clothes, and cool them rapidly with ice, fans, cold water, or wet cloths, Shah said.

Temperatures are forecast to be in the mid to high 90s Saturday and Sunday, with lows in the 70s, in both coastal and inland areas of York County.

Here is a list of cooling stations announced as of Friday afternoon. More information can be ascertained by calling 211.

In Arundel, those needing a cool place to be should call 289-4269.

Alfred, which is hosting its annual festival this weekend, will provide a cooling station at Town Hall, 16 Saco Road, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.  Parsons Memorial Library, also air-conditioned, will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Alfred Parish Church,  8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sunday.  The Alfred Park will use misting fans during festival events.

In Biddeford, Seeds of Hope, 35 South St., will be open to the public as a cooling center on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Air conditioning will be running and cold drinks will be available.

In Cornish, the Town Hall, 17 Maple St., will be open a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday so folks can keep cool.

West Kennebunk Fire Station will be open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Kennebunk Free Library 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Check: www.kennebunkmaine.us/KFR for updated information.

In Lebanon, the Fire and EMS building at 1524 Carl Broggi Highway (Route 202) will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Fire Station is available in Limerick. Contact is 608-5837.

In Old Orchard Beach, locations will be set up as need arises, 934-4506.

In Saco, there will be a cooling station at the Transportation Center, 138 Main St., 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

In Shapleigh, the Fire Station is available:  636-2211.

Hollis, Waterboro and Wells will address need as it arises.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 780-9016 or twells@journaltribune.com.