City Activates Cooling Centers, Promotes Heat Safety as Summer Temperatures Rise

As temperatures continue to rise across the region, the City of El Paso and the Office of
Emergency Management (OEM) are urging residents to take precautions against extreme heat and are
activating cooling centers throughout the City to help protect the community from heat-related illness and injury.
In coordination with the Department of Public Health, OEM, the El Paso Fire Department, Parks and
Recreation, El Paso Public Libraries, and the Extreme Weather Task Force (EWTF), the City is encouraging
residents to stay informed, stay hydrated, and take advantage of available community resources throughout
the summer months.


COOLING CENTERS AVAILABLE CITYWIDE
The City’s cooling centers provide a safe, indoor, air-conditioned space where residents can cool off during
periods of extreme heat.


The following Recreation Centers are available Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 9a.m. to 2p.m.; Closed on Sundays:

  • Valle Bajo (7380 Alameda)
  • Marty Robbins (11600 Vista Del Sol)
  • Galatzan (650 Wallenberg)
  • Nations Tobin (8831 Railroad)
    The following Public Libraries will be available Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday,
    10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 1 to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday: 1 to 6 p.m. (Main Library only):
  • Armijo Library (620 E. 7th)
  • Clardy Fox (5515 Robert Alva)
  • Dorris Van Doren (551 Redd)
  • Esperanza Moreno (12480 Pebble Hills)
  • Irving Schwartz (1865 Dean Martin)
  • Jose Cisneros/Cielo Vista (1300 Hawkins)
  • Judge Marquez (610 N. Yarbrough)
  • Main Library (501 N. Oregon)
  • Memorial Park (3200 Copper)
  • Richard Burges (9600 Dyer Ste. C)
  • Sergio Troncoso (9321 Alameda)
  • Westside (125 Belvidere)
    In addition to City facilities, residents are encouraged to seek relief from the heat by visiting local malls and shopping
    centers during regular business hours, which provide air-conditioned environments to rest and rehydrate.

KNOW THE SIGNS AND TAKE ACTION
Public Health officials emphasize that infants, young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with
underlying medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, which include heat
exhaustion and heat stroke. Some of the signs and symptoms are:

  • Heavy sweating, nausea, muscle cramps
  • Dizziness, fainting, or confusion
  • Pale, clammy skin or a rapid, weak pulse
  • In severe cases: high body temperature, unconsciousness
    Anyone experiencing signs of heat stroke should call 9-1-1 immediately and be moved to a cooler place.

SIMPLE PREVENTION TIPS
Residents are encouraged to:

  • Stay hydrated with non-sugary, non-alcoholic fluids
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and wide-brimmed hats
  • Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours
  • Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces when possible
  • Use sunscreen and take frequent breaks if working outdoors
  • Never leave children, elderly individuals, or pets unattended in a parked vehicle—even with windows
    cracked or the AC running
    Use the Buddy System to check on neighbors, co-workers, or relatives who may be at greater risk. This can
    make all the difference in preventing heat-related tragedy.

PROTECTING PETS
Pet owners should:

  • Ensure pets have access to shade and fresh water
  • Avoid walking pets on hot pavement
  • Keep pets indoors during the hottest parts of the day
  • Never leave pets alone in parked vehicles
    Veterinarians also recommend testing pets for heartworm during warm months.

FAN DONATIONS AND ASSISTANCE
The Extreme Weather Task Force is accepting fan donations at all El Paso and Horizon Fire Stations.
Residents in need of a fan may dial 2-1-1 to check eligibility and receive assistance.

For after-hours help or overnight shelter referrals, residents can call 3-1-1. For emergencies, always dial 9-1-1.