SPOKANE, Wash. — The City of Spokane is continuing to offer cooling resources as the high temperatures remain in the forecast.
The Spokane Municipal Code calls for the start-up of cooling centers when temperatures have reached 95 degrees or higher for at least two consecutive days.
Anyone who is seeking protection from the heat can visit local Spokane Library locations or the Trent Resource and Assistance Center (TRAC).
Here is a list of different library locations you can go to:
- Central (906 W. Main St.)
- Shadle Park (2111 W. Wellesley Ave.)
- Liberty Park (402 S. Pittsburg St.)
- Hillyard (4110 N. Cook St.)
- South Hill Library (3324 S. Perry St.)
- Indian Trail (4909 W. Barnes Road)
All library locations will be open during regular hours on weekdays, with only select locations extending their hours over the weekend.
Here is a list of libraries with extended hours on certain days:
- Shadle Park Library -- 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday
- Indian Trail Library -- 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday
- Central Libraries -- 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday
If you don't want to go to the library, you can also visit the Trent Resource and Assistance Center (TRAC), which is located at 4320 E. Trent Ave. TRAC offers meals, industrial fans, snacks, and supplemental hydration resources. They also provide wrap-around services for those in need.
Shelters across the city report their occupancy data on the sheltermespokane.org website.
Spokane Transit Authority (STA) will also offer fare exceptions for people who are going to and from a cooling shelter when the temperature is 95 degrees or higher. If a passenger gets on the bus and mentions they don't have fare money but are going to a cooling area, STA will allow them to ride for free. This will continue for same-day return trips during evening hours even if the temperature drops below 95 degrees. Cooling areas are accessible by most STA routes.
If you are looking for a fun way to cool down, splash pads and pools are also available. Splash pads operate daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 19 parks. The City also has six aquatic centers that offer free swimming Mondays - Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with evening open swimming available at rotational pools.
Make sure to 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 has a list of regional cooling resources where you can find water fountains, splash pads, and more locations.
The newly enacted state law states that the City of Spokane will not shut off access to utilities for lack of payment during periods of extreme heat advisories.
Here are some additional resources and information:
If you want to help out during this hot summer months, you can donate water, Gatorade, and granola bars to the TRAC. Meals on Wheels Spokane is also accepting new or unopened fans for Meals on Wheels Spokane clients.
Since the weather has been heating up, the city is urging people to take precautions during this time.
Make sure to stay hydrated, and wear light-colored clothes to help beat the heat. Make sure to apply sunscreen, and not to leave kids or pets in vehicles since they can cause serious harm. It is always a good thing to check on your neighbors as well during heat waves.