BULLHEAD CITY, Ariz. – The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Bullhead City and the surrounding area through Sunday, August 2, at 8 p.m. Forecasted highs for Friday through Sunday range from 118-120 degrees Fahrenheit. In response, the City of Bullhead City is sharing information about options to stay cool during hot summer days.
The BHHS Legacy Foundation Christine Stamper Center for Help & Hope, located at 1594 North Oatman Rd, offers year-round respite from the elements 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The center is open to everyone and offers air conditioning, restrooms, drinking water, heat awareness information, electrical outlets for charging devices, meals, computer access, laundry services, and homeless rehabilitation services. The center offers beds for overnight stays for a limited number of unhoused individuals, veterans, and families. On days exceeding 115 degrees, the center extends daytime capacity into the later evening hours.
The Salvation Army Social Services, located at 1461 Palma Rd, offers respite from the elements year-round on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The social services offer air conditioning, restrooms, drinking water, information about heat awareness, electrical outlets for charging devices, and details about additional support services. They also offer free showers and hygiene packs to those who need them.
On Sundays, individuals can seek respite from the heat during the Salvation Army’s Sunday services, which run from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. On Mondays through Saturdays, when temperatures exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit, The Salvation Army opens its doors to anyone to shelter from the heat in an air-conditioned space from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Bullhead City Senior Enrichment Center, located at 2275 Trane Rd, offers year-round respite from the elements to individuals 50 years of age and older on Mondays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesdays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Senior Enrichment Center offers air conditioning, restrooms, drinking water, information about heat awareness, electrical outlets for charging devices, senior meals, senior activities, and information for additional services.
The Bullhead City Municipal Pool, located at 2255 Trane Rd, offers an excellent way for people to cool down during the summer heat. The Pool is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:35 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. Starting August 3, the pool will be closed for school swim practice Monday – Thursday from 1:25 – 2:55 p.m. The pool schedule, which can be found at bullheadcityaz.gov/aquatics, offers a range of activities, including lap swim, water aerobics, and free swim, which allow people to cool off and enjoy the water for a modest fee. On days exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit, the pool waives all fees and allows free entry for anyone looking to get out of the heat.
The Optimum Community Center gymnasium, located at 2380 Optimum Way, is open Monday – Friday from 6 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. for walking and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon – 8 p.m. for Open Gym. Those looking to seek shelter from the heat are welcome to take refuge inside the gymnasium during those times.
When outside temperatures reach highs of 120 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for three consecutive days, the City of Bullhead City will open the Optimum Community Center as a cooling center. The center will operate from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekend operations may be added when warranted based on weather and community conditions, as determined by City Administration. The cooling center will be open to all, including pets, and offer air conditioning, restrooms, drinking water, heat awareness information, and electrical outlets for charging devices. Pets must be crated in the cooling center. Crates will be provided. The community center is accessible through the City’s Bullhead Area Transportation System.
Whenever the Optimum Community Center is activated as a cooling center, the Bullhead City Municipal Pool, located at 2255 Trane Road, stops collecting pool fees and offers its regular schedule of activities free of charge.
“Extreme heat can be dangerous, and we want to ensure the public is aware of the many great resources that are available to them,” said Bullhead City Public Information Officer Mackenzie Covert. “While most of our community is well-versed in the risks and can provide adequate cooling for themselves during our hot summer months, there are situations where individuals unexpectedly need cooling services. Being aware of the resources can help save lives.”
