A heat advisory on Tuesday, July 30 created the need for cooling centers in Denver. The centers are open during regular business hours at all currently operating recreation centers in the city.
Each center has a designated area with access to drinking water, restrooms, and seating. Denver libraries have similar space available. For information about the library locations visit: denverlibrary.org/locations.
The heat can be dangerous to people and pets. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says those at the highest risk for heat-related illness include people aged 65 and older, young children, and people with chronic illness or mental illness.
The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment provides tips to prevent heat-related illness.
- Stay inside air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. Air conditioning is the number one way to protect yourself against heat-related illness. If your home is not air-conditioned, visit one of Denver’s cooling centers
- Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink
- Fans will not prevent heat-related illness in extreme heat; instead take cool showers or baths to cool down
- Don’t use the stove or oven to cook—it will make you and your house hotter
- Don’t drink alcohol or beverages that contain caffeine
- Limit your outdoor activity, especially during the middle of the day when the sun is hottest
If you must be outside during the heat of the day, follow these tips:
- Wear and frequently reapply sunscreen
- Pace your activity and rest often
- Pay attention to muscle cramping, which may be an early sign of heat-related illness. To combat cramping and heat-related illnesses, drink more water than usual
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and a hat
Denver Animal Protection reminds people to take care of pets during the heat and never leave them alone in cars.
If you suspect an animal is suffering heatstroke:
- Move the animal to shade or a cooler area
- Cool the pet down with water or ice packs on the stomach only
- Offer cool drinking water, but do not force-feed it
- Don’t dunk the pet in water. This can hurt them even more when their temperature regulation is impaired.
- Don’t cover, crate, or confine the animal
- Even if your pet responds to cooling treatments, it’s critical your pet sees an emergency veterinarian to see if it has suffered irreversible damage
If you see a dog in a hot car, immediately call 311 or Denver Animal Protection, 720-913-2080. You should also familiarize yourself with the city’s Good Samaritan law which provides legal immunity to people who break a car window to save an animal. However, to ensure immunity:
- You must believe the animal is in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury
- The vehicle must be locked
- You must make a ‘reasonable effort’ to find the vehicle’s owner
- You must contact the Denver Police Department, Denver Fire or DAP before entering the vehicle
- You cannot use more force than necessary to free the animal
- If you break a window, you must remain with the animal and on scene until police or DAP officers arrive