Cooling centers are public facilities that provide relief from hot weather, especially for elderly and disabled citizens. They can be retrofitted public buildings or mobile trailers, with air conditioning, fans, and entertainment. They may also have medical staff to provide first aid. Citizens are advised to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day and note the nearest cooling center.
A cooling center is a facility open to the public where people can enter and cool off during hot weather. Cooling centers are very important in hot, humid communities where there is a risk of heat stroke in bad weather, especially when elderly and disabled citizens are present, as they are less able to adapt to the heat. In the event of a blackout, cooling centers can become the only comfortable space for people who cannot maintain safe conditions at home.
The cooling center is usually a public building retrofitted for this use, as it only functions when needed and does not have to be a dedicated environment. Community centers, libraries, gymnasiums, and other large buildings with large group capacity can be used as cooling centers. The center uses built-in air conditioning to keep temperatures cool and can supplement with fans to keep air circulating and keeping everyone comfortable.
Some communities may set up mobile cooling centers with the use of trailers, to make sure that people who cannot access public transportation or cooling centers in more remote areas can still cool off in the heat. Even half an hour of cooling down can make a significant difference as temperatures rise. The cooling center may have chairs, couches, and tables for relaxation, and some have games, magazines, and other entertainment to give the occupants something to do while they cool down. Fresh fresh water is also available.
In the heat, even minimal activity can put people at risk for heatstroke. Citizens are advised to stay indoors if possible and avoid traveling during the hottest part of the day. For residents vulnerable to heatstroke and families living in areas where the electricity has gone out, transfer to a cooling center may be recommended. Some have medical staff to provide first aid, just in case someone comes in with the first signs of heatstroke or other problems.
Residents of regions prone to heatwaves should take note of where the nearest cooling center will be in hot weather. If one isn’t available and the community needs one, public officials should be notified so they can make plans. Neighbors of the elderly and those with significant mobility impairments might also consider checking on their neighbors during extreme heat and cold to see if they need any assistance, such as a ride to a cooling center.
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