Parts of the North State have been under an extreme heat warning from the National Weather Service, with highs over 100 degrees. But in Chico and Redding, that warning doesn’t automatically trigger the opening of emergency cooling centers.
That’s because local agencies set their own rules on when to activate the temporary air-conditioned spaces.
In Chico, the city’s website says emergency cooling centers are opened when forecasts show temperatures staying at or above 100 degrees for several days in a row and no rain is expected.
The City works with the nonprofit Safe Space to provide cooling centers. The organization’s executive director told NSPR its seasonal cooling center is set to open June 28.
Redding works with Shasta County’s health agency to open cooling centers. The county’s website says it considers opening the cooling centers when the heat index — which is the air temperature and humidity combined — stays above 110 degrees during the day and 80 degrees at night for two consecutive days.
Shasta County’s health agency will also consider factors like increased reports of heat-related illnesses and power outages when making its decision on whether to open a cooling center.
Residents who need to cool down now are being directed to places like libraries, community centers and other public air-conditioned spaces. Those locations can offer relief from the heat, but they aren't the same as dedicated cooling centers, which include on-site staff and support services.
