Cooling center
Encyclopedia
A cooling center is a temporary air-conditioned
public space
set up by local authorities to deal with the health effects of a heat wave
. Usually sited at several locations throughout a city, cooling centers are meant to prevent hyperthermia
, especially among the elderly without air conditioning at home.
Cooling centers provide shade, water, and sometimes medical attention, along with referrals to social services, as many of the people who need assistance from these centers are homeless
.
They are increasingly used in cities such as New York City
, Chicago, Boston
, and Toronto
as the danger of heat waves has risen in the public consciousness, or in places like Seattle where home air conditioning is rare but 90+ F (32 C) temperatures occur every summer, though typically do not last for more than a few days.
Another health measure sometimes taken during heat waves is to extend the hours of operation of public swimming pool
s.
Air conditioning
An air conditioner is a home appliance, system, or mechanism designed to dehumidify and extract heat from an area. The cooling is done using a simple refrigeration cycle...
public space
Public space
A public space is a social space such as a town square that is open and accessible to all, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age or socio-economic level. One of the earliest examples of public spaces are commons. For example, no fees or paid tickets are required for entry, nor are the entrants...
set up by local authorities to deal with the health effects of a heat wave
Heat wave
A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity. There is no universal definition of a heat wave; the term is relative to the usual weather in the area...
. Usually sited at several locations throughout a city, cooling centers are meant to prevent hyperthermia
Hyperthermia
Hyperthermia is an elevated body temperature due to failed thermoregulation. Hyperthermia occurs when the body produces or absorbs more heat than it can dissipate...
, especially among the elderly without air conditioning at home.
Cooling centers provide shade, water, and sometimes medical attention, along with referrals to social services, as many of the people who need assistance from these centers are homeless
Homelessness
Homelessness describes the condition of people without a regular dwelling. People who are homeless are unable or unwilling to acquire and maintain regular, safe, and adequate housing, or lack "fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence." The legal definition of "homeless" varies from country...
.
They are increasingly used in cities such as New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, Chicago, Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
, and Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
as the danger of heat waves has risen in the public consciousness, or in places like Seattle where home air conditioning is rare but 90+ F (32 C) temperatures occur every summer, though typically do not last for more than a few days.
Another health measure sometimes taken during heat waves is to extend the hours of operation of public swimming pool
Swimming pool
A swimming pool, swimming bath, wading pool, or simply a pool, is a container filled with water intended for swimming or water-based recreation. There are many standard sizes; the largest is the Olympic-size swimming pool...
s.
External links
- Keep Cool Illinois - Listing cooling centers throughout Illinois.
- New York City Office of Emergency Management - Information about New York City cooling centers