San Diego County will operate its Cool Zone program year-round, the County Communications Office said; for the past 25 years the program has offered free, safe, air-conditioned spaces for people to escape dangerous heat.
The county said the network now includes more than 80 Cool Zone sites, including the county’s 33 branch libraries as well as senior centers and teen centers. Traditionally the program ran from June through October; county officials said they are keeping sites open year-round because extreme heat events now occur more frequently outside the traditional summer season.
“Extending this program year-round is a great way to keep our residents safe when they need shelter from extreme heat events, no matter when they happen,” County Supervisor said.
County Public Health Officer Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan said, “Keeping your core body temperature cool during heat events can and does save lives.” The county’s Cool Zone webpage includes an interactive map to search locations by ZIP code, organization type and what animals are allowed.
The county listed basic heat-safety steps for residents: stay in air-conditioned spaces during the hottest part of the day; drink plenty of water and avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages; wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing; avoid relying on fans alone when temperatures exceed 90 degrees; and never leave children, older adults or pets in parked vehicles. For more resources the county directs readers to its “Extreme Heat” webpage.
The program is aimed at people most at risk from heat, the county said, specifically older adults, children, people with disabilities and people with health concerns.
Local
Joel Anderson
Supervisor, Second District, San Diego County Board of Supervisors
Named once in this story.
Portrait: County of San Diego / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Sources & methodology
This report was written from the primary materials below. Links open at the original publisher.
County of San DiegoSee something we should correct? Read our corrections policy.