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Lancaster, CA. July 18, 2024 – In the face of soaring temperatures across Southern California, the City of Lancaster's proactive measures to safeguard its residents have proven highly effective. The City's cooling centers have successfully provided refuge from the heat, resulting in minimal cases of heat sickness and, most importantly, zero heat-related deaths.
“Our primary concern is the health and safety of our community,” stated Mayor R. Rex Parris. “The success of our cooling centers during this intense heatwave underscores our commitment to providing accessible and safe environments for everyone in Lancaster. By ensuring that our cooling centers are open and available, we have been able to protect our most vulnerable residents from the severe impacts of extreme heat. This initiative reflects our ongoing dedication to public health and our proactive approach to crisis management. I am incredibly proud of our community for coming together during this time and for utilizing the resources we have put in place.”
The City utilizes Los Angeles County Cooling Centers, available during regular business hours. A complete list of these locations can be found on the City’s website: www.cityoflancasterca.gov/coolingcenters.
Extreme Heat Events (EHE) are characterized by significantly hotter and more humid weather than usual for a specific location and time of year. The City of Lancaster has established specific criteria to identify and forecast EHE conditions, using historical meteorological data. When the National Weather Service issues a heat warning and specific criteria are met, such as temperatures exceeding 102°F for two consecutive days with nighttime temperatures not dropping below 75°F, the City activates its Augmented Cooling Center program. This ensures cooling centers remain available to residents even when LA County Cooling Centers are closed due to federal holidays, construction, or other reasons.
The success of this program is reflected in the low incidence of heat-related illnesses and the absence of fatalities. The City’s efforts have provided a crucial safety net for residents, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and community support during extreme weather conditions.
In addition to cooling centers, the City offers other cooling options, such as:
- Public Swim at Pierre Bain/Eastside Park:
- Monday and Wednesday: 1:45 to 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 1:45 to 5:30 p.m.
- Splash Pad at Tierra Bonita Park:
- May 24 to October 1
- Monday through Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these resources and stay informed about the availability and location of cooling centers.
The City of Lancaster prioritizes the well-being of its residents and remains dedicated to providing the necessary resources to help them stay safe and healthy during extreme heat events.
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