Extreme heat can be dangerous, especially for children, seniors and those with limited cooling options. The City of Richardson has partnered with Dallas County and regional organizations to provide cooling centers, emergency window air conditioners, and information on regional heat‑relief services. This page explains how to access these resources and stay safe during heat waves.

Emergency Window Air Conditioner Assistance

Dallas County Health and Human Services offers a Weatherization Assistance Program – Emergency Window Air Conditioners for qualifying low‑income families. This program provides portable window units to help residents cool their homes during extreme heat.

How to apply:

Call 214‑819‑1976 or email wapasistance@dallascounty.org for eligibility details and application instructions.

Local Cooling Centers

Police Department Cooling Center

• Address:
  200 N Greenville Ave., Richardson.

• Availability:
   Opened as‑needed during widespread power outages or other heat‑related emergencies.

• Contact:
   Call the non‑emergency police number 972‑744‑4800 to verify hours.

Richardson Public Library

• Address:
   2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Suite 500

• Hours:
  Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  Friday to Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  Sunday: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

• Quiet reading areas and air conditioning provide respite from the heat.

Recreation Centers

Richardson’s recreation centers provide cool spaces during their normal operating hours:

Heights Recreation Center

• Address:
  711 W. Arapaho Rd. 

• Hours:
  Monday to Thursday: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  Friday: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

   

Huffhines Recreation Center

• Address:
  

  200 N. Plano Rd.

• Hours:
  Monday to Thursday: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  Friday: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Visit cor.net/parks for facility details and rules. Please bring a photo ID and follow facility guidelines.

Regional Relief Centers

Texas Local Seasonal Relief Centers

This map was created from information provided by local and non-profit partner organizations; Call 2-1-1 for the latest information. To download an Accessibility Spreadsheet of open Local Seasonal Relief Centers, Click Here. This spreadsheet is updated hourly.

DART Transit Centers

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) converts some transit centers into cooling stations during heat emergencies. To stay informed:

• Sign up for DART Service Alerts at DART.org.

• Follow DART on social media or Call 214‑979‑1111 for updates.

These centers allow travelers to take a break from the heat while waiting for buses or trains.

Salvation Army Cooling Stations

The Salvation Army operates cooling stations at shelters and community centers across the Dallas–Fort Worth region. Visitors can cool off and receive water; some locations also distribute box fans and bottled water as part of their food pantry service. More information is available at the Salvation Army’s heat relief page.

Tips for Staying Cool and Safe

• Stay hydrated: Drink water frequently; avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks.

• Limit outdoor activities: Try to schedule strenuous tasks in the early morning or late evening.

• Check on neighbors: Older adults and those with medical conditions are more susceptible to heat.

• Never leave children or pets in vehicles.

• Recognize heat‑related illnesses: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke; seek immediate medical help if symptoms arise.