Recommendations and considerations for setting up warming and/or cooling centers:
- Choose a space that is adequately heated and has adequate bathrooms.
- Ensure space is publicly accessible with clear signs displaying operating hours.
- Plan and provide possible resources like:
- Pre-packaged snacks, warm or cold drinks
- Seating, blankets, and space for nursing mothers
- Additional staff, as needed, for assistance
- TV or board games
- Safe drinking water (fountain or water bottles)
- Provide for a safe and secure environment
- Availability of electrical outlets
- Establish set of opening standards and what can be supported by the organization
- Provide parking access
- ADA compliant with mobility constraint considerations
- Available to all individuals
- Opening facilities in areas with defined need
- Convenient hours of operation
Types of facilities frequently used for warming and cooling centers centers:
- Libraries
- Recreational or community centers
- City hall/courthouse
- Places of worship
- Senior centers
- Shopping malls
- Police departments
- Fire departments
Considerations for opening warming and cooling centers:
An important component to the success of these centers is communication. The Kane County Health Department (KCHD) will issue communications through social media and other partners (Kane County Emergency Management Coordinators, Emergency Response Master Contacts, Kane County PIO) and include the standard list of warming and cooling center availability during hazardous weather conditions. The availability of each facility, how many citizens they are able to accommodate and when they are open to the public is strictly the decision of the organization. Many temporary emergency shelters have temperature thresholds that trigger the opening their facility to those seeking respite, and organizations should clearly define those thresholds.
KCHD understands the constraints associated with opening and supporting even a temporary warming or cooling center. In lieu of offering direct services, we ask that you share Facebook posts and other communications from KCHD and the Kane County Office of Emergency Management.
For guidance on establishing a temporary warming or cooling center, please reach out to our emergency response team at 630-208-3801.
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