Athens opens 7 air-conditioned centers amid heatwave warning

Athens is preparing to combat an anticipated heatwave by opening seven air-conditioned Friendship Clubs as public cooling centers. These facilities will be accessible to citizens daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for as long as the high temperatures persist, starting Sunday, August 23.

The Friendship Clubs are located across various neighborhoods: Agios Pavlos (Mamouri 22), Neo Kosmos (Cheldreich 15), Votanikos (Kozanis 4), Kolokynthou (Eimonos 9), Agios Eleftherios (Acharnon 372), Kypseli (Skyrou & Kafkasou), and Ampelokipoi (Panormou & Vatheos). The Athens Solidarity Center will supply these clubs, along with the Homeless Reception Center and Day Center, with water, beverages, and personal hygiene kits.

Citizens in need of assistance or health advice related to the heat can contact the 24-hour Citizen Service Line at 1595 or 800-210-5287800. A dedicated "Heatwave Line" at 210-3638049 is also available from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily for medical guidance.

The municipality is enhancing its operational readiness with 24-hour preparedness. Cleanliness and greenery departments will conduct patrols, while Municipal Police will monitor high-risk areas using ground patrols and drones. The Municipal Police Operations Center will coordinate with the Fire Service and other authorities. Water trucks are on standby.

Special measures are in place for vulnerable populations, including homeless individuals. Streetwork teams will provide water and hygiene kits to the homeless from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The city's animal welfare service has installed over 130 water bowls for stray animals throughout the capital, with volunteers and staff ensuring they remain filled.