As summer takes root and daytime temperatures climb higher across the region, San Diego County leaders on Tuesday gathered to promote a network of “cool zones” designed to provide safe spaces for people who lack air conditioning.
Not only do the cool zones provide relief from summertime heat, they can save consumers on the cost of monthly energy bills, officials said.
The Cool Zones are coming at the right time. The National Weather Service forecasts a warming trend for later this week, with above average temperatures. The deserts are expected to be well over 100 degrees. The warmer weather is predicted to peak over the weekend.
Nick Macchione, the director of the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, ed public health officials and other local leaders Tuesday to remind residents that they can stay comfortable at a number of public spaces this summer.
They include more than 60 sites across the county, including all 33 of the county library branches. For a list of sites and hours, check the county website here.
“Anyone regardless of age or ability is welcome at our county cool zones,” Macchione said. “This continues to be an essential resource as extreme heat events are becoming more common.”
According to the county’s annual excessive heat report, the National Weather Service issued 15 heat alerts in 2022, a dip from the 16 recorded in 2021 and 20 the prior year.
However, the number of alerts was up sharply over the past decade, the county report noted. In 2013, the region recorded just four such notifications. The alerts are a combination of formal advisories and excessive heat warnings.
Heat-related events are blamed for more than 600 deaths in the United States every year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Locally, the number of what are called prehospital calls has soared in recent years, county data show.
Ten years ago, emergency responders received just 54 calls for help on excessive-heat days in San Diego County. By last year, the number of service calls exploded to 463.
The “cool zones” program was first established 20 years ago. The project will run from July through October.
The event Tuesday included a promotion for free electric fans for seniors and disabled people on fixed incomes, county officials said.
To learn more about the giveaway or to apply for a fan, click here.
