Cooling centers open for seniors in Salt Lake County

SALT LAKE CITY — Along with the ongoing drought, rising temperatures have prompted multiple cooling centers to residents who are looking to escape the sun in Salt Lake County.

The high temperatures can be especially devastating to senior citizens. To prevent heat-related illness among Utah’s senior population, Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services launched these “cool zones” as a way to provide relief.  

And the cooling centers in Salt Lake County have already been used by members of the community. 

Paulette Gasparac told KSL TV she soaked in the cold air following a workout at the Rivers Bend Senior Center. 

“How have I been dealing with it [the heat]? Well, my swamp cooler and fans,” she said.

And despite the heat, Gasparac said she’ll keep going to the Rivers Bend Center. 

“It’s wonderful. I love coming here. It’s stimulating, intellectually, physically, socially,” said Gasparac.

And after hitting 100-degrees last Friday, the need for cooling centers is rising. 

“We’ve seen an uptick in people coming to all of the cool zones — the libraries, recreation centers, and senior centers since last week when it started to get really hot,” said Afton January, communications manager for Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services.

January says the heat provides another reason to reach out to senior citizens. 

“This is an excellent time to call and check on your elderly relatives, neighbors, and friends to make sure that they’re doing OK,” she said.

For seniors who are homebound, fans are available from Salt Lake County Aginst and Adult Services. Call 385-468-3200 for more information. 

A list of cooling zones in Salt Lake County can be found here.