Cool Zone Information

During the summer, the County’s Aging & Independence Services designates Cool Zone sites, air-conditioned settings mostly located in the hottest areas of the county, where older adults and others can keep cool and save energy costs. Residents can use officially sanctioned Cool Zones to escape the heat and rest up before going back outside.

Cool Zones in San Diego County

Cool Zones in Imperial County

We’re proud to work with the County of San Diego to ensure more people can find and access Cool Zones. People in San Diego County unable to get to a Cool Zone location without transportation assistance, such as older adults, people with disabilities, or people who are homebound, can call 2-1-1 to be connected to a transportation or rideshare service.

What are Cool Zones?

Cool Zone sites, mostly located in the hottest areas of the county, help older adults and others keep cool and save energy costs.

In the summer, the County designates Cool Zone sites, air-conditioned settings where seniors and others can gather. The sites encourage people to share air conditioning during the heat of the day, lowering individual usage and helping to conserve energy for the whole community.

Residents can use officially sanctioned Cool Zones to escape the heat and rest up before going back outside.

Supervisor Dianne Jacob created the Cool Zone idea out of concern for seniors and disabled persons with health problems that could be complicated by the effects of heat.

Tips to Beat the Heat

Aging and Independence Services offers Cool Zones to help older adults keep cool during hot summer days. But there are other things people can do to beat the heat:

• Slow down. Be your most physically active during the coolest part of the day, usually between 4-7 a.m. Pace yourself when engaging in physical activity.
• Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not being used, stay on the lowest floor. Keep shades down and blinds closed, but windows slightly open.
• Go to a Cool Zone site on hot days.
• Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools your body.
• Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.
• Avoid using the oven.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s heat.
• Air out hot cars before getting into them.
• Never leave children or pets inside vehicles at any time, even with the windows cracked. Temperatures inside a vehicle can reach lethal levels no matter what the weather is like.
• Drink more fluids than usual even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine; they make the heat’s effects on your body worse.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increases metabolic heat.
• Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• If you take diuretics, ask your physician about a lower dosage during hot weather.
• If it is safe to do so, leave windows open at night. Open windows on two sides to create cross ventilation.
• Place a piece of cardboard covered with aluminum foil in sunny windows to reflect sunlight and heat away from the house.
• Vacuum, clean or replace air filters regularly for maximum cooling efficiency.
• If affordable, install outdoor awnings or sunscreens.
• Call your physician if you feel you may be experiencing a heat-related illness.

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