Spokane To Open Temporary Cooling Resources

Press release from the City of Spokane:

July 13, 2021

The City will reopen its flexible, scalable network of 1,000 spaces in central and in-neighborhood cooling centers to anyone needing relief from the heat.

Cooling centers will operate in the multi-purpose rooms at the Looff Carrousel and in five Spokane Public Library locations. The Looff will be open Tuesday from 11 am to 8 pm until the forecasted high drops below 95 degrees. Library hours vary by location.

“We urge anyone who needs relief from the heat to go to a cooling center, even if it’s just a short visit to give your body a break,” Mayor Nadine Woodward said. “You can drop in and spend as little or as much time as you need to cool down.”

During the historic heatwave a little more than a week ago, a total 731 people used the central cooling center network over several days. Peak usage was less than three dozen people during a single hour. Most sought short-term relief from the extreme heat. Library location reported longer guest stays, but no capacity concerns.

Cooling centers would be open through Wednesday night based on the current forecast. People are encouraged to plan ahead to know where cooling resources are located, including those operated by community partners, and check in with loved ones, friends, and neighbors throughout the high heat to develop a personal plan for managing cooling, hydration, and transportation needs. Malls, movie theaters, businesses, and shaded neighborhood parks can also meet localized needs for intermittent relief.

Drink plenty of water and juices and know the signs of heat stroke and exhaustion and seek medical assistance early if you have concerns.

Spokane Public Library locations and hours:

• STA Plaza Tue-Sat: 10 am – 6 pm
• East Side Tue: 12 pm – 8 pm; Wed-Sat: 10 am – 6 pm
• Hillyard Tue: 12 pm – 8 pm; Wed- Sat: 10 am – 6 pm
• Indian Trail Tue: 12 pm – 8 pm; Wed- Sat: 10 am – 6 pm
• Northtown Mall Tue-Sat: 10 am – 6 pm
• South Hill Mon- Tue: 10 am – 8 pm; Wed-Sat: 10 am – 6 pm

Space also remains available in the overnight shelter system.

This press release was produced by the City of Spokane. The views expressed here are the author’s own.