COLUMBUS — To help residents stay cool in the extreme heat, the city announced it will expand pool and splash-pad hours and waive the $1 fee through Friday, July 28.

Pools and splash pads will be open from 1 p.m. until 8:45 p.m. Friday. A listing is available online.

Residents also can take advantage of community centers, which are open regular hours on weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the city said. View a list of centers online.

Air-conditioned Columbus Metropolitan Library locations are also available and can be viewed online.

Columbus Public Health offers tips for ways to stay cool in hot weather:

• Drink lots of water and don’t wait until you are thirsty
• Whenever possible stay in air conditioning
• Those without access to air-conditioning should use the library, community centers, malls and other cool public places
• Beverages with alcohol, caffeine and sugar should be avoided because they cause dehydration
• Eat lighter meals like salads
• Wear light-colored clothing made of light-weight fabric, like cotton and muslin
• Limit strenuous activities to cooler morning and evening hours
• Check on those who are susceptible to extreme heat, especially the elderly
• Never pets at home and never leave them in an enclosed vehicle

To save energy during hot spells, AEP Ohio offers these tips:

• Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher
• Keep the sun out by closing blinds and curtains
• Avoid using ovens and dryers that produce heat and unplug appliances when you aren’t using them
• Ceiling fans can make rooms feel up to 10 degrees cooler if they are rotating counterclockwise
• Change your air conditioner filter, which can reduce energy consumption 5% to 15%