Cooling Centers
Note: For more information about the cooling centers, call the Detroit Health Department at (313) 876-4000, or visit detroitmi.gov/health.
CITY OF DETROIT COOLING CENTERS OPEN WHEN HEAT EMERGENCY IS DECLARED
When the summer heat reaches extreme temperatures, it is critical to take steps to keep cool and prevent heat illness. Seven Recreation Centers will be opened as cooling centers when a Heat Emergency is declared by the City of Detroit Chief Health Officer. The seven centers provide air-conditioned comfort and protection from the heat. Please see the information below for tips on keeping cool in the summer heat followed by the locations and hours of cooling centers.
When temperatures rise above 90 degrees, everyone is at risk, but the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illness. Signs of heat-related illness include headache, dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, confusion and pale or flushed skin. The American Red Cross recommends the following treatment for people suffering from heat-related illness:
- Move the victim to a cool place.
- Give him or her cool water to drink.
- Apply ice packs or cool wet cloths to the skin.
- If a victim refuses water, vomits, or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Tips for preventing heat-related illness
- Stay indoors if possible. Stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air-conditioning, go to a public place that does, including the City of Detroit cooling centers. If outside, stay in the shade.
- Drink water. Even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
- Wear light-colored clothing. (Avoid wearing black clothes, especially if you're in direct sunlight.) Loose fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Never leave a person, especially children or the elderly, or a pet in a closed, parked vehicle. The temperature inside the car can become 30 to 40 degrees hotter than the outside temperature.
- Slow down and avoid strenuous activity. If you must work outside, take frequent breaks.
- Visit at-risk people twice a day and watch them for signs of heat illness.
- Speak with your doctor about any medications you are taking to learn whether they may interfere with your body’s ability to regulate temperature.
- Do not use salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
For more information about the cooling centers, contact the Detroit Health Department at (313) 876-4000.
Recreation Centers - Cooling Centers Open When Heat Emergency Declared
IF THERE IS AN EXTREME HEAT EMERGENCY:
The days will be extended for the duration of the heat emergency, and the listed hours may also be extended.
Call the Detroit Parks & Recreation Department at (313) 224-1100 for more information.