San Diego County residents can find “cool zones” throughout the region to escape extreme heat this summer.
San Diego County officials launched it's 2022 Cool Zones Program to help residents find air-conditioned locations throughout the region. A list of Cool Zones locations is available online. People can enter their address once they navigate to the map and it will show locations near them.
“Summertime is right around the corner and there is no better time than now to prepare for the months of hot weather that are yet to come,” San Diego County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Nora Vargas said.
According to Vargas, businesses and organizations have committed to providing space for older adults, persons with disabilities, children, and anyone needing to escape the heat. People can identify cool zones by an icy blue diamond shape decal with a polar bear on it, Vargas explained.
An extremely high body temperature, which is at 103 degrees or higher, can result in dizziness, nausea, confusion, and headache are signs of heat stroke or exhaustion. If someone shows these signs, call 9-1-1 and begin cooling the person immediately.
According to county Deputy Public Health Officer Ankita Kadakia, residents should drink plenty of water, avoid sugary drinks, and check on neighbors and residents at risk of heat-related illnesses. Kids and pets should never be left inside a closed parked vehicle.
There are about 60 sites available to residents, regardless of age, to beat the heat, according to Kimberly Gallo, Director of the County Aging and Independence Services. Residents who can't get to a Cool Zone on their own can call 2-1-1 to request transportation to a location free of charge.
The county partnered with San Diego Gas & Electric to provide free electric fans to residents living on limited incomes. To be eligible for the fan program, a county resident must not have access to an air-conditioned space at their home or apartment building.
To learn more about the Cool Zones Fan Program or to request a fan, call 2-1-1.
For more information on the Cool Zones program and tips to stay cool at home, visit www.coolzones.org.
