COOL ZONES
Cool Zones are free air-conditioned places for you to stay cool when it’s very hot.
An excessive heat warning is in effect for the deserts from 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, until 8:00 PM on Monday, October 7, 2024.
An excessive heat warning is in effect for the valleys from 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, until 8:00 PM on Monday, October 7, 2024.
An excessive heat advisory is in effect for the mountains from 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, until 8:00 PM on Monday, October 7, 2024.
For more details on how to prepare for this heat event, please click the link above.
SITE LIST:
Printable PDF list of site locations.
INTERACTIVE LIST: Interactive list of locations. Filter by site, city, zip code, and/or pet policy.
INTERACTIVE MAP: Interactive Map. Search for a site by your address.
PETS: Check with your local pet store. Some pet stores serve as cooling centers for pets during the summer and may welcome pet owners and their pets into their air-conditioned stores to beat the heat. Some Cool Zones take pets, some do not. Check the location before you go.
TRANSPORTATION: If you need help getting to a Cool Zone, call 2-1-1. They can find you free transportation.
Cool Zone Fan Program
OVERVIEW: Older adults with low incomes and people with disabilities are eligible for a free electric fan if they meet the requirements below. You can apply by completing the Eligibility Form. If you need assistance completing the form or require translation services please call 2-1-1 San Diego and a live representative can submit the form on your behalf.
ELIGIBILTY REQUIREMENTS: To be eligible, the applicant must meet all the requirements below:
- Live in San Diego County.
- No access to an air-conditioned space in their home.
- Unable to travel to a Cool Zone site.
- No access to a working fan in the home.
- Not have received a fan from the Cool Zone program in the past 2 years (2022 and 2023).
- 60 years of age or older and/or disabled.
- Household income within the limits below:
People in Household | Total Yearly Household Income less than or, equal to: |
1 or 2 |
$40,880 |
3 | $51,640 |
4 | $62,400 |
5 | $73,160 |
6 | $83,920 |
7 | $94,680 |
8 | $105,440 |
Each additional person | +$10,760 |
ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION: If you are eligible, a fan will be sent to the address indicated on the application. Please note, information is only being asked to determine eligibility for a fan and will not be shared unless you provide consent.
Stay safe in extreme heat
Hydrate with water, find shade, wear sunscreen, and take breaks when outside. If possible, stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as you can. Keep animals in cool places and hydrated with water. Never leave your animals in unattended parked cars.
To learn more about how to stay safe during extreme heat, visit: https://heatreadyca.com/
Become a Cool Zone Site
BECOME A SITE: Complete the Standards of Participation form.
REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A SITE: Are you a public or private,
for-profit or not-for-profit, organization interested in participating
as a Cool Zone site?
A Cool Zone site must agree to:
- Keep working air conditioning.
- Post the Polar Bear Cool Zone logo (above) at the front entrance. Logo will be provided by SDG&E.
- Provide access to the public during hours of operation.
- Define seating capacity and provide public seating.
- Allow visitors to arrive unannounced.
- Provide access to the restrooms.
- Ensure visitors are not required to purchase goods or services.
- Allow service animals of any visitor.
- Inform AIS within 24 business hours of any changes to the program, operation days, and/or hours.
- Agree to have your organization’s name, address,
public phone number and hours of
operation listed on AIS Cool Zone and partner websites.
PERKS OF BECOMING A SITE:
- Help lower utility usage in the community.
- Stay informed about local heat event warnings.
- Be connected to resources for your community.
- Contribute to the health and wellbeing of the community.
Send us an email if you need more information about the Cool Zone program.
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