HOUSTON – As another dangerous heat wave settles over Southeast Texas, the City of Houston is opening cooling centers across the city to help residents escape the extreme temperatures. The move comes as heat-related calls to the city’s 3-1-1 line have doubled over the past week.
City officials are reminding residents that relief is available and that getting to a cool place could be as simple as making a phone call.
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Houstonians find ways to stay cool as temperatures climb
For many residents, summer activities are continuing despite the extreme heat. Whether it’s playing soccer outside or squeezing in an afternoon workout, people are still spending time outdoors.
“It feels like 110, 115 around there, you know? My feet feel like they’re 130,” one Houston resident said.
Officials are encouraging people to stay hydrated, drink plenty of water and electrolytes, and recognize when it’s time to head indoors.
Family finds relief after stumbling upon cooling center
For one Houston family, escaping the heat happened by chance. They weren’t searching for a cooling center—they were simply trying to get their children out of the sun.
“As soon as we walked in, you could just feel the AC just blowing that way. We’re like, yeah, we got to definitely come inside,” the parent said.
The family says the cooling center became a much-needed resource during a hot summer day.
“The facility was made for the community. I know people just come in here, even though when they’re playing outside, they come in and just get some water and stuff,” the parent said.
Houston offers free rides to cooling centers, but many residents are unaware
The City of Houston has reopened 112 cooling centers, providing residents with a safe, air-conditioned place to cool off during the heat wave.
The Office of Emergency Management says these centers are especially important for older adults, young children and people with underlying health conditions.
The city is also offering free transportation to any designated cooling center through 3-1-1 or METROLift. However, officials say many Houstonians still don’t know the service is available.
“I didn’t see anything on the news about that,” one resident said.
Officials urge residents to use resources before heat becomes an emergency
So far, the city says no one has requested a free ride to a cooling center during the past two weeks, despite rising temperatures and an increase in heat-related calls.
Officials say heat-related 3-1-1 calls doubled over the last week, increasing from two calls to four.
City leaders hope sharing information about cooling centers and transportation options will encourage more residents to seek help as the heat continues.
All 112 cooling centers remain open during the heat wave. Residents can find locations and hours here. Anyone needing transportation to a cooling center can call 3-1-1 or METROLift to request a free ride.