Salt Lake County introduces Cool Zones to beat the summer heat

SALT LAKE CITY — With temperatures already breaking records in Utah, Salt Lake County wants to help its most vulnerable residents beat the heat.

Salt Lake County announced its Cool Zone program. The initiative is a partnership with Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services, Salt Lake County Recreation Center, and Salt Lake County Library Services. The project aims to keep seniors and those with disabilities stay cool and safe.

Cool Zones are air-conditioned indoor spaces open to the public such as senior centers, libraries, and recreational facilities. They will be located throughout the valley.

Warning signs

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults have a higher risk of heat-related illnesses such as; heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat edema which is swelling in your legs and ankles.

Heat-related issues can quickly become a medical emergency. Symptoms include fainting, behavior changes, dry skin, a strong and rapid pulse, a slow and weak pulse, body temperature over 104° F and no longer sweating even though it’s hot.

Added benefits of Cool Zones

The county hopes the Cool Zones will provide more than a place to hydrate and get a break from the heat. They hope citizens see it as an opportunity to learn about county programs.

According to the county website, the zones provide “air-conditioned locations where seniors and persons with disabilities can beat the heat not only reducing their individual energy costs but protects their health as well.”

The county website offers an interactive map to help residents identify the cool zones in their neighborhoods. The Cool Zones are open now through Oct. 15.

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