Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question:
I was wondering how LA county determines the temperature to open cooling centers? Are they only open when the temperature hits 90 degrees F? Or a different temperature? What are the criteria in order to open cooling centers?

Answer:
Listed below is the criteria the County of Los Angeles uses to determine when the Cooling Center Program is activated and a Heat Alert is released:

A Heat Index of 95 degrees or higher is predicted for two consecutive days or more in the Los Angeles Basin.

A Heat Index of 104 degrees or higher is predicted for two consecutive days or more in the Valleys, Deserts and Mountains.

Please be advised that Public Health also releases Heat Advisories which does not activate the Cooling Center Program but does give the public advice on how to stay safe in the Hot Weather.

For a list of Cooling Centers, please visit the following Public Health website.

Links:
  http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov