When the hot temperatures of summer, coupled by the humidity, settle over the land like a wet, wool blanket, people can be in danger of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, particularly the very young or very old.

To provide some heat relief, the Gail Reyes Senior Center in Barnwell has started a cooling station for residents.

Inside, people can find air-conditioning, iced water and board games to pass the time, said Sheila Brooks, the senior services manager for Generations Unlimited, the agency that runs the senior center.

The cooling station opened June 18 and will stay open weekdays from 8 a. m. to 2 p.m. There are no weekend hours for it. The cooling station averages about seven to eight visitors a week, Brooks said.

The station is an opportunity to get out of the heat for people who might not otherwise have the opportunity, she said.

"We have people that come in. Last year we had some lawn maintenance people come in," Brooks said.

Although older people are more susceptible to the extremes in temperature, the cooling station was not specifically set up for senior citizens, she said.

"We are trying to target people who need a place to get out of the heat," Brooks said.

Last year, the Gail Reyes Senior Center distributed 38 fans to senior citizens to help them with the heat, she said.