Much-needed Cool Zones provide heat relief in Salt Lake County

SALT LAKE CITY — As Utah continues to see close to triple-digit temperatures across the state, many are searching for methods to remain cool.

In Salt Lake County, dozens of “cool zones” opened in June at senior facilities, recreation facilities and each the Salt Lake Metropolis and Salt Lake County Libraries.

“The cool zone is a very, it is a very fundamental idea,” mentioned Afton January, Communications Supervisor for Salt Lake County Ageing Grownup Companies.

The designated space within the River’s Bend Senior Middle serves as a secure haven for these, age 60 and up, to flee the warmth.

“It’s air conditioned and far cooler than it is going to be outdoors; there may be some type of a supply of water like a consuming fountain, and you may often have a spot to take a seat down in an effort to take part within the applications and actions at a whole lot of our services,” mentioned January.

She says the cool zones on the recreation facilities and the library enable folks of all ages to additionally escape the warmth.

“We began doing the cool zones in 2014, when our frontline caseworkers and meals-on-wheels drivers and people who work straight, notably with older adults had been discovering that lots of people had been struggling with our more and more scorching summer time temperatures,” mentioned January.

January say the cool zones additionally method to offer a public well being possibility for folks, particularly those that do not have air con at dwelling. She says this might help them keep away from any warmth associated diseases.

“That actually is the first concern, with the explanation that we began the cool zones was concern over older adults, Individuals with disabilities, younger kids who’re most susceptible to warmth associated sickness.”

Salt Lake County Ageing and Grownup Companies has partnered with the county library, Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation, and the Salt Lake Metropolis Library to function Cool Zone program.

The cool zones will stay open throughout the county till October 15.