Learn How to Stay Safe in Extreme Heat at Citywide Keep Austin Cool Day Events

AUSTIN, Texas — The City of Austin is getting ahead of the heat this summer by hosting Keep Austin Cool Day. The day aims to raise awareness of the dangers of heat and its health impacts, and to distribute resources to help keep Austinites cool.

Keep Austin Cool Day will be held on Saturday, May 2. In the case of severe weather, the event will be rescheduled for Saturday, May 30. 

Join us at locations across the city from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.:

• Conley Guerrero Senior Activity Center, 808 Nile St, Austin, TX 78702

• Gus Garcia Recreation Center, 1201 E Rundberg Ln, Austin, TX 78753

• Dove Springs Rec Center, 5801 Ainez Dr, Austin, TX 78744

Everyone is invited to attend these events.

“We all know that heat makes us uncomfortable, but it can also pose serious health risks to many, especially pregnant people, young children and the elderly,” said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. “Fortunately, heat is something we can combat. Stay indoors or in the shade when it’s hot, drink plenty of water and take signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke seriously.”

The City of Austin will have staff available at each event to educate residents about the health impacts of extreme heat and provide practical information and resources to help residents prepare for extreme heat events. Cooling kits and educational materials will be provided to event attendees.

Staff will also conduct a brief, anonymous Cooling Center Assessment during the events to better understand how residents use cooling centers. The survey takes only a few minutes to complete and will help inform improvements to services across Austin.

Cooling centers are available across Austin to provide relief during extreme heat. All Parks and Recreation facilities and Austin Public Library locations serve as cooling centers during normal operating hours. Community members are encouraged to check hours of operation before arriving. Service animals are permitted in City facilities. A full list of cooling center locations can be found on the City’s website.

It is important to recognize the signs of heat-related illness. Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, and muscle cramps. Heat stroke is more severe and may include a high body temperature (103°F or higher), confusion, loss of consciousness, and hot, dry skin. Heat stroke is a medical emergency—call 911 immediately if symptoms are present.

Community members are encouraged to stay informed during extreme heat by signing up for emergency alerts through Warn Central Texas. Medically vulnerable individuals may also consider enrolling in the Austin Energy Medical Vulnerable Registry for additional support during power outages and extreme weather events. Those in need of assistance during a disaster can also sign up for the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry online.

More information on heat and summer safety can be found here.