Spokane Community Urged to Prepare for Inclement Weather

Spokane Community Urged to Prepare for Inclement Weather

Erin Hut, Communications Director, [email protected]

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 1:40 p.m.

As temperatures are expected to climb over the coming days, the City of Spokane, Spokane County, and the City of Spokane Valley are encouraging residents to take simple steps to stay safe during the heat and smoke, and to check in on friends, family, and neighbors who may be more vulnerable.

Extended exposure to high temperatures and smoke can be dangerous, especially for children and older adults. Resources are available to community members who need them.

COOLING AND SAFE AIR SPACES

• All Spokane County Library District locations offer climate-controlled public spaces.
• Spokane Public Library locations and community centers are open during regular hours.
• Visit air-conditioned spaces like malls and movie theaters.

SHELTER & HOMELESSNESS RESOURCES

• The City of Spokane will activate its inclement weather plan, per the Spokane Municipal Code, bringing additional shelter beds online. Shelter bed availability can be found at sheltermespokane.org
• The City of Spokane Cannon St. Navigation Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Transportation to the navigation center is available by calling 509-413-9778.
• The City of Spokane street outreach teams and partner outreach teams have water, sunscreen, electrolyte packages, dog food, and other materials to take out into the community.
• The SNAP Outreach Team provides resources and transportation for unsheltered individual.
• The Spokane Valley co-deployment mobile outreach team distributes weather-related supplies, provides transportation for unhoused individuals, and supports residents seeking housing and other resources.

POOLS AND SPLASH PADS

• City of Spokane splash pads are operational from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 19 parks, and six pools are open Mondays through Saturdays at varied hours.
• Spokane County has the Northside and Southside Family Aquatic Centers that are open seven days a week with two public swim periods: 11:00 to 2:00 p.m. and 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Reservations recommended.
• City of Spokane Valley operates three public pools with free swim on Fridays and Sundays, and splash pads are open at four parks daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A complete map of places to cool down throughout the region can be found on the Cooling Resources Interactive Map, produced by the Gonzaga University Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment. Residents can also call 211 or visit the 211 website to find information about cooling center locations and to receive emergency information.

Accessing Support Centers

Spokane Transit Authority offers fare exceptions to customers without fare payment who are traveling to and from cooling spaces when the temperature reaches 95 degrees or higher. Riders can simply board the bus and inform the coach operator that they are heading to a support center and do not have fare payment.

Heat Safety Reminders

The National Weather Service recommends taking heat seriously, as prolonged exposure can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Anyone experiencing symptoms of heat stroke should seek emergency medical attention immediately by calling 9-1-1.

Small steps can have a big impact in staying safe in the heat. Residents are encouraged to:

• Reduce time in the sun
• Spend time in air-conditioned places
• Cover windows receiving direct sunlight
• Wear lightweight clothing
• Drink plenty of fluids (water, sports drinks, juice) and avoid alcohol/caffeine
• Take cool showers or use cool water to bring your temperature down
• Check on elderly neighbors and relatives
• Never leave children or pets in parked cars
• Childproof open windows
• Use extreme caution around water and review water safety tips

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