As the city prepares for a heat wave, Denver’s health agency is pointing to several public spaces that can serve as “cooling areas.” 

All Denver’s recreation centers will offer a designated space, where people can “cool off during extreme heat,” the department said in a news release. The recreation center areas are open during normal business hours and will offer drinking water, a place to sit and access to restrooms. 

There are also Denver Public Library locations that will offer similar spaces during business hours. For library hours, the health agency advises residents check online for a specific branch. 

Denver’s weather is expected to reach 96 degrees Monday and Tuesday. A heat advisory was issued by the National Weather Service and will expire Tuesday at 9 p.m.

High temperatures can be dangerous, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Heat-based illnesses, caused when the body is unable to correctly regulate and dissipate heat effectively, can result in hospitalization if left unattended. 

Individuals who are vulnerable include children younger than two years, those over 65 and people with chronic illness. Personal factors, such as age obesity, poor circulation and heart disease, can also affect a person’s sensitivity to heat. 

The best way to avoid heat-related illness is to stay in an air conditioned building, according to Denver Department of Public Health and Environment. The agency added that simply blowing a fan doesn’t work with extreme heat, but taking a cool shower or bath would. Limiting outdoor time and avoiding alcoholic drinks are also a great way to keep yourself safe. 

The agency offers these tips to people who are outside:

• Wear and frequently reapply sunscreen

• Pace one’s activity and rest often

• Pay attention to muscle cramping, which may be an early sign of heat-related illness. To combat cramping and heat-related illnesses, drink more water than usual

• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and a hat

Pet owners should keep their companions safe, officials said, as extreme heat can cause the surface temperature of sidewalks and road surfaces to rise enough to burn a dog or cat’s pads.

Pets are also susceptible to heat stroke, which should prompt a visit to an emergency vet, according to Denver Animal Protection. The group also urged residents to never leave their pets alone in a car. If people see a pet in a car, they should call 311 or Denver Animal Protection at 720-913-2080, the group sid.

“You should also familiarize yourself with the city’s Good Samaritan law which provides legal immunity to people who break a car window to save an animal,” Denver’s health agency said. “If you break a window, you must remain with the animal and on scene until police or DAP officers arrive.”