We’ve compiled a list of cooling centers in the valley and how to get to them by bus. Take a look at these summer safety tips from our friends at Our Path Home, which offer great guidance to any bus rider. 

Staying cool – hot tips

• Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid drinking alcohol, coffee, tea, and caffeinated soft drinks.
• Find shade + cool areas: seek shaded spots or air-conditioned public places during peak heat. Limit time in direct sunlight.
• Wear light clothing: opt for lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothes. Change clothing if damp or wet
• Treat your skin: use sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Keep a damp rag Or bandana to wipe your face or neck. Take cool showers.
• Eat light: have smaller, frequent meals and avoid heavy foods.
• Check on others, especially older adults, those with health conditions or disabilities and those Using substances.
• Consider pet safety: make sure pets have plenty of cool water and access to shade. Asphalt and Pavement can very hot for their feet.
  • VRT allows service animals and pets in an approved container that fits on your lap or under the seat 

Be alert to heat illness symptoms

• Heat stroke: dry, hot skin, no sweating, high temperature, rapid pulse, chills, confusion, Slurred speech. If you suspect heat stroke, get the person medical care immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available. Do not give them anything to drink.
• Heat exhaustion: Excessive sweating, weakness, dizziness, clammy skin, muscle cramps, Flushed skin.
• Heat cramps: Muscle pain and spasms, usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs. If you suspect heat cramps or heat exhaustion, go to a cooler a location, remove extra clothing, and take sips of water or sports drink.
• Heat rash: Red pimples or small blisters, often on the neck, chest, groin, under breasts, And elbow creases.

For more information, please contact [email protected] or call the Housing Crisis Hotline at 208-336-4663. 

Source: Our Path Home Summer Cooling Resource Guide

Boise City Hall

Address: 150 N. Capitol Blvd.

Phone: 208-608-7000

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Boise Public Library – downtown

Address: 715 S. Capitol Blvd.

Phone: 208-972-8200

Hours:

• Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Saturday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Cathedral of the Rockies

Address: 717 N. 11th St.

Phone: 208-343-7511

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Lunch hours: Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

City Lights

Address: 1404 W. Jefferson St.

Phone: 208-368-9901

Hours:

• Daily, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Overnight check-in, 4:30 p.m.

Corpus commons

Address: 525 S. Americana Blvd.

Phone: 208-426-0039

Hours: Daily, 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Downtown Boise YMCA

Address: 1050 W. State St.

Phone: 208-344-5501

Hours:

• Monday – Friday, 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Saturday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Interfaith Sanctuary

Address: 1620 W. River St.

Phone: 208-343-2630

Hours:

• Daily, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Overnight check-in: 4:30 p.m.

River of Life Men’s Shelter

Address: 575 S. 13th St.

Phone: 208-389-9840

Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Caldwell Public Library

Address: 1010 Dearborn Street

Hours:

• Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Caldwell Senior Center

Address: 1009 Everett Street

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cherry Lane Library

Address: 1326 W. Cherry Lane

Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Meridian City Hall

Address: 33 E Broadway Ave.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Orchard Park Library

Address: 1268 W. Orchard Park Drive

Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

PINNACLE Library

Address: 1375 E Phenomenal St. Meridian, ID 83642

Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

Harward Recreation Center

Address: 131 Constitution Way

Hours:

• Monday – Friday, 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Saturday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Hugh Nichols Public Safety Building

Address: 820 2nd Street S.

Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Nampa City Hall

Address: 411 3rd Street S.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Nampa Public Library

Address: 215 12th Ave S.

Hours:

• Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.