Cool Zones Program

The Cool Zone program is an established network of free, air-conditioned settings (such as libraries or community centers) across San Diego County that allow respite for older adults, persons with disabilities, or anyone looking to escape the extreme heat during the summer. Cool Zones are a way for residents to lower individual utility usage and help conserve energy for the whole community.

The Cool Zone program was launched out of concern for seniors, persons with disabilities, and those with health concerns that could be complicated by the effects of heat.

In partnership with San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), the Cool Zone program is managed by the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency.

Find a Cool Zone

Cool Zone sites, located throughout the county, help older adults and others keep cool and save energy costs.

The current program season runs from June 1 - October 31.

To locate a Cool Zone site nearest you, click here to view an interactive map, click here for a PDF listing with the latest information, or call 2-1-1.

Are you a public or private, for-profit or not-for-profit, organization interested in participating as a Cool Zone site? Please complete the Standards of Participation form or send us an email if you have any  questions/comments.  

Cool Zone Fan Program and Transportation

Even with Cool Zone sites opening, not all older adults or persons with disabilities can leave home to escape the heat. Homebound individuals may not be able to take advantage of traditional Cool Zone sites.

To help community members beat the heat, the County of San Diego, in partnership with SDG&E, provides free electric fans to those who are 60 years of age and older, or disabled, living on limited incomes. Please be advised it is not recommended to rely on electric fans for cooling if temperatures exceed 90 degrees.

To be eligible, a resident must not have access to air-conditioning at their residence. To learn more about the Cool Zone Fan Program or to request a fan, please click here to complete a fan eligibility survey.

Additionally, people in San Diego County unable to get to a Cool Zone location without transportation assistance, such as older adults, people with disabilities, or people who are homebound, can call 2-1-1 to be connected to a transportation or rideshare service at no cost.

For more information about Cool Zones, call 2-1-1 or send the County an email.

County health officials offer the following tips to stay cool:

• Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Drink plenty of water (avoid alcohol and sugary drinks) and don’t wait until you are thirsty.
• Take cool showers.
• Never leave a child, elderly person or pet unattended in a car.
• Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities outside during the hottest part of the day.
• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and wear a wide-brim hat if you need to be in the sun.
• Avoid using the oven to cook.
• Avoid being out during peak heat hours.
• Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler.
• Do not rely on electric fans for cooling if temperatures exceed 90 degrees.

If someone is showing signs of heat-related illness, call 9-1-1 and begin cooling the individual by:

• Moving them to a shaded area
• Spraying with cool water and fanning them
• Placing them in a cool shower if they are alert
• Monitoring the body temperature, and continuing cooling efforts, and
• Do NOT give the victim fluids to drink