Relationship Between Knowledge of Cooling Centers and Seeing/Hearing Heat Warnings

Background: Heat warnings play an important role in advising the public of extreme heat. For those who experience significant barriers to avoiding heat-related illness, knowledge of cooling centers is essential. The purpose of these warnings is to advise residents to seek places of refuge from the heat, such as cooling centers, before the onset of heat-related illness or symptoms. However, if participants are not aware of cooling centers, they are at an even greater risk for heat-related illness.

Study Question: Is there a relationship between knowledge of a cooling centers and hearing/seeing an excessive heat warning?

Methods: Heat survey data in 2011 were examined to evaluate the study question. The dependent variable was recalling seeing or hearing an excessive heat warning. Independent variables included knowing what a cooling center was. All independent variables were coded into ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ answers.

Results: Responses from 895 participants were analyzed. Of all respondents, approximately 15% reported not hearing or seeing an excessive heat warning. After controlling for race, age, gender, education and income, participants who reported not hearing or seeing a heat warning were 2.5 times more likely (OR=2.5, 95% CI=1.3, 4.9) to report not knowing what a cooling center was. Participants ages 18-24 were 2.6 times more likely (OR=2.6, 95% CI=1.1, 6.3) to report not knowing what a cooling center was, and participants with less than a high school education were 3.4 times more likely (OR=3.4, 95% CI= 1.7, 6.7) to report not knowing what a cooling center was.

Conclusions: Participants that did not hear/see an excessive heat warning also did not know about cooling centers, placing them at an even greater risk of suffering heat-related illness. This is a great indication that stronger and targeted community outreach and communication systems are needed to reach at risk groups.