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Warming/Cooling Centers & Shelters

Providence Emergency Management Agency

Warming/Cooling Centers

Red Marker Warming/Cooling Center | Blue Marker Pool | Teal Marker Water Park
Warming/Cooling Centers Pools Waterparks

Shelter Information

What’s the difference?

Warming/Cooling Center

Exposure to extreme temperatures can be life-threatening, and members of the community may not have access to housing or adequate air conditioning. Warming and Cooling centers provide temporary relief to the extreme temperatures, in community places where members of the community already mingle.

  • Provide a safe and secure place for individuals or families to stay warm or cool down during extreme temperature events.
  • Available to everyone in the community and accommodate individuals with disabilities according to the ADA.
  • Located in community spaces open to the public, like Libraires, Resilience Hubs, and Unhoused Shelters.

Emergency Shelter

In the event of an emergency weather-related disaster, such as a hurricane, PEMA and partners will organize emergency shelter locations. An emergency shelter is temporary, and provides beds, showers, meals, and disaster recovery services until housing becomes adequate again.

Unhoused Shelter

An unhoused shelter is a permanent social service at a privately owned shelter facility specifically for the unhouses population. The unhoused shelters in Providence are not operated by PEMA, but during extreme heat or cold events, PEMA will activate and support the shelters as Warming/Cooling Centers.