Cooling Centers and Heat Safety

Thermometer showing 100+ degrees temperatures with a hot sun in the background.

Stay Safe

Heat illness and deaths are preventable. Learn how to stay cool and safe before and during a heat wave.

The simplest way to be safe in the heat is to spend time indoors. If you are without shelter or air-conditioning, there are options:

 

Public Air-Conditioned Spaces

Indoor spaces open to the public during business hours, such as a library, can be a way to stay cool in hot weather. See "Supporting Documents" below for a list of public air-conditioned spaces in Shasta County.

 

Temporary County Cooling Centers

Updated 7/30/2024: 
Currently, there are no open Cooling Centers. HHSA will continue to monitor temperatures in Shasta County and provide the community with updated  information.

Public air-conditioned spaces are recommended for relief from the heat. For updates and a list of air-conditioned spaces, see the information below, call the Extreme Temperature Information Line at (530) 229-8882 or visit "Shasta HHSA" on social media. 

During extreme heat conditions, HHSA works with allied agencies and community partners to open temporary Cooling Centers.

When a Cooling Center opens, details will be shared via:

Cooling Centers are opened at existing facilities (libraries, churches, senior centers, etc.). They are located strategically throughout the county and are open for a limited time to provide relief from extreme heat conditions. Centers are staffed by HHSA employees.

When do Cooling Centers open?

HHSA considers opening Cooling Centers when the weather meets the following criteria:

  • Daytime heat index of over 110°F (not air temperature; rather heat index that is the air temperature & humidity combined) and nighttime heat index of over 80°F for two consecutive days; and/or
  • Increased reports of heat-related illnesses, medical emergencies or mortality reported by local healthcare providers or other credible sources; and/or
  • A power outage with a heat index above 105°F, and/or
  • Any situation where the Health Officer determines that heat exposure puts lives in imminent danger

     

Overnight Shelter

People who need overnight shelter can go to the Good News Rescue Mission at 3100 S. Market St., Redding. For more information, call its front desk at (530) 241-5754.

 

 

Be Prepared

Use the information below to prepare for extreme heat.

  • Prepare yourself and your loved ones:

  • Prepare your home:

    • About 40% of heat comes through windows. Keep the heat out by using curtains, awnings and/or reflectors on windows. 
    • Use your oven less so heat doesn’t build up.
    • Install or check and replace worn out weather stripping. 
    • Heat rises. Use a powered attic fan to clear out hot air.
    • Fans are helpful but can create a false sense of comfort. They are not effective in reducing body temperature to prevent heat-related illness.
    • If air conditioning is not available in your home, there are options. Learn what public air-conditioned spaces are available in the community. See "Supporting Documents" below for a list of public air-conditioned spaces.

Financial assistance is available to help people who cannot afford to cool and weatherize their home. Learn more about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

 

 

Check On Others

Some people are at greater risk for illness or injury. When it gets hot, make sure to check in with family and friends who are:

If you are worried about the safety of elderly or dependent adults in Shasta County, contact Adult Protective Services (APS) at (530) 225-5798. They may be able to do a wellness check, ensuring their safety during extreme heat events.

 

 

Learn More

Click on each link below to learn how to prepare for and stay safe in heat-related emergencies:

 

 

Stay Connected

 

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