Using Cooling Centres During a Heat Emergency

A cooling centre is any publicly accessible air-conditioned space designated as a refuge during extreme heat events. They can be purpose-designated (libraries, community halls, recreation centres) or informally identified (shopping malls, places of worship, hospitals). Understanding where to find cooling centres, who needs them most, and how to use them effectively is an important part of surviving a heatwave — especially for vulnerable people who cannot cool their own homes.

Why Cooling Centres Matter

Heat is consistently the deadliest weather-related hazard in many parts of the world. The majority of heat deaths occur in people who:

• Live in homes without air conditioning
• Cannot afford to run air conditioning
• Are isolated and have no one checking on them
• Have medical conditions that impair heat tolerance
• Are very young or very old

Cooling centres provide a low-barrier, free intervention that can prevent heat illness and death in these populations.

Who Benefits Most From Cooling Centres

Population	Heat Vulnerability	Notes
Elderly (65+)	High	Reduced sweat response, medication effects, social isolation
Infants and young children	High	High surface-to-mass ratio, dependence on caregivers
People with chronic illness	High	Heart disease, diabetes, respiratory conditions reduce heat tolerance
People on certain medications	High	Diuretics, anticholinergics, psychiatric medications impair cooling
Outdoor workers	High	Sustained heat exposure with physical exertion
People without air conditioning	High	Especially in upper-floor apartments
People experiencing homelessness	Very high	No safe indoor space; often cannot access cooling

How to Find a Cooling Centre

Cooling centre locations are typically communicated through:

1. Local government websites — search "[your city/county] cooling centre" or "heat relief site"
2. Emergency alert systems — during declared heat emergencies, alert messages often include cooling centre locations
3. 211 (US social services hotline) — can connect callers to local cooling resources
4. Local news broadcasts and social media — useful during heat events
5. Libraries and community centres — often serve as cooling sites even without official designation
6. Hospitals and healthcare facilities — will not turn away people in heat distress
7. Faith organisations — churches, mosques, temples often open for community members in distress

⚠️ Cooling centre availability varies enormously by location and is often only confirmed during an active heat emergency. Do not wait until you are in heat distress to find one — research in advance and keep a short list.

Finding Centres for People Who Cannot Travel

For elderly, disabled, or isolated individuals who cannot easily travel to a cooling centre:

1. Contact local government to ask about mobile cooling units or welfare checks
2. Ask your local fire station — firefighters often conduct heat welfare checks
3. Neighbours and community groups can assist with transport
4. Some jurisdictions offer emergency housing vouchers for vulnerable individuals during heat emergencies

What to Bring to a Cooling Centre

Pack a small bag if attending a cooling centre for a day or longer:

1. Valid ID or any identification (most centres require none, but good to have)
2. Medications you need to take during the day
3. Snacks and food (some centres provide food; bringing some ensures you are covered)
4. Water bottle — stay hydrated even in a cool environment
5. Phone charger or power bank
6. Reading material, headphones, or other quiet entertainment
7. A light jacket or cardigan — air conditioning can be cold for extended stays
8. Any items needed for infants or dependent family members (nappies, formula, etc.)
9. Pet carrier if you have a pet (check if the centre is pet-friendly first)

Behaviour and Etiquette at Cooling Centres

Cooling centres may be shared with many community members including people experiencing hardship. A few principles help the environment work for everyone:

1. Be respectful of centre staff and other visitors.
2. Follow any posted rules about food, drink, or electronic use.
3. Do not bring items that may cause allergen issues for others.
4. Report any medical emergencies immediately to staff.
5. Leave when you are able to do so safely — these resources are shared.

Setting Up an Informal Cooling Centre

During a heat emergency, any community group, place of worship, or organisation with air conditioning can informally designate a cooling space. Basic steps:

1. Identify a suitable space — air-conditioned room or building with capacity for multiple people
2. Notify the community via neighbourhood apps, social media, word of mouth, or posted signage
3. Establish access hours and any simple entry requirements
4. Stock basic supplies: water, cups, basic first aid supplies, fan
5. Designate a point of contact — someone to be present or reachable
6. Know the signs of heat illness and have a plan to call emergency services if someone presents with heat stroke

Setting Up a Community Cooling Space	Key Requirement
Air conditioning or powerful fans	Essential for actual cooling
Water access	Critical — dehydration is a heat risk multiplier
Sufficient space	Overcrowded spaces generate heat from body heat
Accessible entry	Mobility-impaired community members must be able to enter
Communication to those who need it	Reach out to isolated community members proactively

Cooling Strategies at Home (When You Cannot Leave)

If getting to a cooling centre is not possible:

1. Close blinds and curtains during the day — especially on west-facing windows
2. Open windows at night when outside air cools below indoor temperature
3. Use fans — direct the fan to blow over a bowl of ice for extra cooling effect
4. Stay on the lowest floor — heat rises
5. Take cool (not ice cold) showers or baths and allow skin to air-dry — evaporation is cooling
6. Apply cool wet cloths to pulse points: neck, wrists, ankles, armpits
7. Limit cooking — ovens and stoves significantly heat indoor air
8. Check on each other frequently — designate a check-in time with neighbours

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Quick Reference

Situation	Action
Need to find cooling centre	Search "[city] cooling centre" or call 211
Elderly neighbour without A/C	Check daily; offer transport to cooling centre
Cooling centre is closed/unavailable	Library, shopping mall, hospital — any air-conditioned public space
Can't leave home	Fans + ice, lowest floor, cool cloths, open windows at night
Signs of heat illness in someone	Move to cool space; cool them actively; call 000/911 for heat stroke
Organising community cooling space	Air conditioning + water + communication to isolated residents