As the summer heat continues to roll through Columbus, one initiative aims to keep residents hydrated.
Columbus Police Department and the city of Columbus are asking local businesses to join in their effort to “Keep Columbus Cool” by handing out water to residents during the high temperatures this summer. It is the second year that the department has done an initiative seeking to hydrate residents during the hot summer months.
“We do have a population that walks every day,” said CPD Community Liaison Glenda Richardson. “… We really don’t want anyone passing out or dying from this extreme heat.”
The program currently has three main participants, including Hardees on Alabama Street, Baby Dudes Bar and Grill and Zachary’s, Richardson said. Residents can also stop by the police station for water as well, she said.
“Everybody’s talking about the heat. It’s the number one topic of conversation right now – how hot it is, how humid it is,” Zachary’s Owner Doug Pellum told The Dispatch on Thursday. “… It’s inhumane if someone isn’t able to get a drink of water. So, if somebody needs it. We want them to be able to come to us, and we’ll get it for them.”
Zachary’s has already seen several people stop in for water since the initiative started on Tuesday, he said.
The program is looking to find more local businesses to join in the effort, Richardson said.
“We’re looking for partners across Columbus, and we’re going to give them posters that they can put in the window so people will be able to know, hey, you can stop in here for free glass or a free cup of something to drink,” she said.
Richardson said the initiative will last through the summer. She encourages organizations and individuals to get involved as well.
“If we need to provide cups for them, we will,” Richardson said. “We’re asking people to donate water, to donate cups, so as they are walking around, we’re able to provide these things.”
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
