Cooling Centers & Heat Safety

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

Extreme Temperature Information Line - (530) 229-8882

Stay Safe

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 air-conditioned spaces.

People needing shelter, day or night, can go to the Good News Rescue Mission at 3100 S. Market St., Redding – (530) 241-5754.

Cooling Centers

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

There are no Cooling Centers open at this time (8/9/2023).

When a Cooling Center opens, details will be:

• Sent in a press release to local media (TV, radio, etc.)
• Available as a recorded message at the phone number (530) 229-8882
• Posted to social media (@ShastaHHSA for Facebook and Twitter)
• Published to ShastaHeatSafety.org

Cooling Centers are opened at existing facilities (libraries, churches, senior centers, etc.) located strategically throughout the county. The centers are open for limited timeframes during the hottest part of a heat event to provide relief from extreme temperatures. The 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
   

Check On Others

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

• Elderly
• Sick
• Living in a home or shelter without air conditioning
• Working or exercising outdoors
• Living on a fixed or low income (some may not want to turn on the air conditioning due to cost)
• Experiencing homelessness

Worried about the safety of elderly or dependent adult in Shasta County? Contact Adult Protective Services (APS) at (530) 225-5798. APS may be able to do a wellness check, ensuring the senior’s safety during extreme heat events.

Be Prepared

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

• Learn how the National Weather Service defines a heat risk.
• Boost your weather vocabulary by learning the difference between an Excessive Heat Warning, Watch and Advisory.
• Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses and Deaths – webpage, video
• Power Outages – webpage, video
• Wildfires – webpage, video
• Wildfire Smoke – webpage, video

Stay Connected

• Weather: U.S. National Weather Service Sacramento Office: website, Facebook, Twitter
• Facebook: Shasta HHSA, Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, Shasta County
• Twitter: Shasta HHSA, Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, CALFIRE Shasta Trinity Unit
• Radio Stations: KKRN 88.5 FM and KQMS 105.7 FM, 104.9 FM, 1670 AM
• Local TV News: KRCR, Action News Now
• Local Utilities: REU Outage Map, PG&E Outage Map
• Roads Conditions: Caltrans QuickMap, Caltrans District 2 - Facebook, Twitter, or call 1-800-427-7623
• 2-1-1 Shasta: Visit 211norcal.org or call 2-1-1 for emergency updates and community resources.

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