Erin Hut, Communications Director, 509.625.6740 & Brian Walker, Communications Manager, 509.655.1387
Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 3:19 p.m.
As high temperatures move into the region, all City of Spokane residents are reminded that cooling resources are available to them.
Spokane Municipal Code calls for the activation of cooling centers when the temperature is predicted by the National Weather Service to be 95 degrees or higher for at least two consecutive days.
Cooling areas
People seeking relief from the upcoming heat can visit Spokane Public Library locations or the Trent Resource and Assistance Center (TRAC).
Library locations include:
Libraries will be open during regular hours on weekdays and Central Library will have extended hours on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
People can also seek relief at the Trent Avenue Resource Center, located at 4320 E. Trent Ave,. Surge capacity at TRAC will begin Sunday. The facility offers industrial fans, meals, supplemental hydration resources and snacks for those seeking shelter during heat waves, as well as comprehensive wrap-around services for those in need.
Public transportation options
Spokane Transit Authority will offer fare exceptions to riders going to and from a cooling space when the temperature is 95 degrees or above. If a passenger boards a bus and indicates they do not have fare payment, and that they are traveling to a cooling area, STA will allow them to ride for free. This practice remains in effect for same-day return trips during evening hours even after the temperature drops below 95 degrees. Cooling areas are accessible by most Spokane Transit routes.
Additionally, The Salvation Army offers vans that can meet people where they are at and help them connect to local shelters. Call 509-280-6860 or 509-280-6894 for a ride.
Other cooling options
Splash pads and pools are great places to cool down for free. Splash pads are operational daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 19 parks. The City’s six aquatic centers offer free open swimming Mondays – Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m., with evening open swim available at rotational pools. Check the schedule, and sign up for your free Splash Pass at SpokaneParks.org/aquatics.
Gonzaga University’s Center for Climate, Society and the Environment lists regional cooling resources, including an interactive map of drinking fountains, cooling areas, splash pads, parks and pools.
Additional resources and information are available through:
Water services during Extreme Heat Advisory
Per newly-enacted state law, the City of Spokane will not shut off access to utilities for lack of payment during periods when the National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat advisory.
Taking precautions
Residents are urged to drink water, wear light-colored clothing, apply sunscreen and to not leave kids or pets in vehicles.
The City continues to monitor National Weather Service Spokane information and will respond according to the level of severity designated in its Emergency Management protocols as conditions change.
