Faro announces air-conditioned cooling centres

The Municipal Council of Faro has activated a network of air-conditioned refuges to help residents cope with the current spell of extreme heat, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable people.

The Locais de Abrigo Climatizados (LAC) will be available until July 10 as part of the municipality’s response to the sky-high temperatures.

The initiative follows recommendations issued by the Directorate-General of Health (DGS) and the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (ANMP) for periods of extreme heat.

Residents can seek relief from the heat at the Faro Municipal Library, which will be open on Mondays from 2.30pm to 7.30pm and from Tuesday to Friday between 9.30am and 7.30pm.

The Faro Municipal Swimming Pools will also be available daily from 11am to 6pm, while the Penha Municipal Sports Pavilion will provide shower facilities on weekdays between 9am and 11am.

To help people stay hydrated, municipal company Fagar will install drinking water points in Faro’s downtown area.

The council said the facilities are intended to provide temporary relief for anyone exposed to prolonged heat, particularly older people, children, pregnant women, people living with chronic illnesses, those experiencing homelessness and residents with reduced mobility or without adequate cooling at home.

The municipality is also urging people to drink plenty of water, avoid direct sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day, wear light clothing and regularly check on elderly neighbours, relatives and anyone living alone.

More information can be obtained from Faro’s Municipal Civil Protection Service (+351 289 870 078 or [email protected]).

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.