Cooling Centers and Heat Safety

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. 
 

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

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:

• Press release to local media (TV, radio, etc.)
• Recorded message at (530) 229-8882
• Social media @ShastaHHSA for Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter)
• Online at ShastaHeatSafety.org

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:

  • Learn the warning signs of heat-related illness.
  • Build an emergency supply kit to have on hand during disasters or power outages.  
  • People living with disabilities may have specific needs in the heat. More information can be found at Ready.gov/Summer-Ready and Ready.gov/Disability.
     

• 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:

• Older Adults
• Young children and infants
• Sick or living with a chronic health condition
• Living with a disability
• 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

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:

• Learn how the National Weather Service defines heat risk.
• Know the difference between an Excessive Heat Warning, Watch and Advisory.
• Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses and Deaths – view a webpage or watch a video.
• Power Outages – view a webpage or watch a video.
• Wildfires – view a webpage or watch a video.
• Wildfire Smoke – view a webpage or watch a video.
• For People Living with Disabilities – view a webpage or watch a 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, 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 - Email Sign Up, 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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