CALDWELL, Idaho — This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press.
Southwest District Health has launched a cooling station at its headquarters off of Karcher Road in Caldwell, just in time for this week’s heat wave bearing down on the Treasure Valley.
According to a news release from Southwest District Health, the center, located at 13307 Miami Lane, is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. While people and their crated pets are welcome to visit and get out of the heat, the cooling center will provide air conditioning, water, bathrooms, seating, hand sanitizer, free Wifi, space to charge cellphones, and a designated pet relief area, the news release stated.
People who would like to access the cooling station should plan to bring their own meals and snacks, SWDH said.
The news comes with the National Weather Service issuing an excessive heat warning for the Treasure Valley and its surrounding areas.
Temperatures are expected to be at or exceed 105 degrees in the coming days and could approach 110 on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. Triple-digit temperatures are expected to last through the weekend and into next week.
Southwest District Health pointed out that during excessively high temperatures, health risks associated with heat-related illness are significantly heightened. That is particularly true for infants, the elderly and individuals with respiratory issues.
Additionally, Southwest District Health encourages residents to check on the well-being of any vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbors this week.
“We are offering up our facility as a cooling center to ensure that our most vulnerable populations have a safe space to prevent the effects of extreme weather conditions like this heat wave that is predicted,” said SWDH Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program Manager Ricky Bowman.
Cities across the Treasure Valley offer areas for residents to cool off when the weather heats up.
Other options in Caldwell include the splash pad at Indian Creek Plaza along with city cooling stations at the Caldwell Senior Center and Caldwell Public Library.
In Nampa, the city’s website lists cooling centers at the Nampa Public Library, which is open Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the Baker Room in the Hugh Nichols Public Safety Building, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Nampa City Hall, which is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and the Harward Recreation Center, which is open Monday-Friday from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., for families only.
In Boise, Our Path Home provides cooling centers at the following locations: Boise City Hall, Cathedral of the Rockies, City Light Home for Women and Children, Corpus Christi, Garden City Library, Hays House, Interfaith Sanctuary, River of Life Men’s Shelter and Treasure Valley YMCA.
All are open Monday through Friday, and many are open daily. Specific hours and openings vary on location. Go to ourpathhome.org for a complete list and details.
This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press, read more on IdahoPress.com.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.