Denver Offers Places to Cool Down During Extreme Heat

Denver Offers Places to Cool Down During Extreme Heat Published on July 12, 2026 The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the Denver Metro Area on Monday, July 13, 2026. To help residents stay cool and healthy during the uncomfortably high temperatures, the City and County of Denver is offering support. Denver Parks and Recreation will open all currently operating recreation centers as daytime cooling centers during regular business hours, for people who need a place to cool down. Each center will have a designated area available for cooling, with access to drinking water, restrooms, and a place to sit. Additionally, Denver Public Library locations are available to the public as an indoor reprieve from the heat. For information about library hours visit: denverlibrary.org/locations. Residents can also call 720-865-5444 to learn the status of cooling centers. High temperatures can cause illness as excessive heat can increase your body's core temperature. A heat illness happens when your body is unable to dissipate heat effectively. Personal factors, such as age, obesity, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn, prescription drugs, and drug or alcohol use can all affect your body's ability to cool itself during hot weather. Know the warning signs of heat-related illness. Early symptoms include muscle cramps, dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and dry or cracked lips. As heat illness becomes more severe, symptoms may include red, hot, or dry skin, an elevated body temperature, a rapid pulse, confusion, agitation, fainting, or unconsciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated quickly. The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment offers these tips to prevent heat-related illness: Stay inside in 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 stations 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 Be aware of medication side effects. Some medications, including antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, and TCAs), increase the risk of heat-related illness 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 Priority Populations Some populations are more vulnerable to heat-related illness and may need additional support during extreme heat events. These include: Older adults (particularly those aged 65 and older) Children under the age of 2 People experiencing homelessness People with chronic medical conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental illness) People with disabilities Pregnant individuals People who may lack access to air conditioning or safe cooling spaces People who use drugs People who use drugs, people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, people with serious mental health symptoms, and people living with ongoing health conditions are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill or dying during extreme heat. Different substances can contribute to dehydration, raise body temperature, or make it harder for the body to cool itself naturally. During periods of high heat, check on friends and neighbors to be sure they are safe and remember to never leave children unattended in a hot car. Street outreach teams are cautioning persons experiencing unsheltered homelessness of heat illness and providing referrals to shelters and cooling centers. Denver's network of shelters provides a setting where individuals experiencing homelessness can seek refuge from severe weather while getting connected to case management and other stability services. For more information on overnight and day shelters for individuals and families, visit the Department of Housing Stability's Find Shelter webpage. Keep Animals Safe From the Heat Denver Animal Protection (DAP) reminds residents to never leave their pets alone in vehicles. 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