The Heat is On: Rethink Bullhead City’s Cooling Center Policy

With Bullhead City residents facing another scorching summer, it’s frustrating to see that our city’s cooling centers aren’t fully utilized until temperatures hit a staggering 120°F. This threshold, seemingly set as a reactionary measure rather than a proactive one, does little to protect the vulnerable members of our community.
As highlighted by Lieutenant Andrew Sevillano, while there is a system in place to monitor temperatures and potentially open additional cooling centers, this often comes too late for many suffering from the effects of extreme heat. Waiting until the situation becomes a full-blown emergency ignores the daily struggles of those without adequate cooling at home.
City officials, including Lieutenant Sevillano and City Manager Toby Cotter, seem to downplay the severity of our typical summer weather, suggesting that locals are “used to and prepared for these temperatures.” However, this overlooks the reality for many residents, especially those with older or malfunctioning air conditioning systems, who may not have the means to escape the heat.
Setting a more reasonable threshold, such as 105°F, for opening additional cooling centers or extending their hours could provide essential relief and prevent heat-related illnesses. We must prioritize the well-being of all residents by ensuring that these life-saving resources are readily available.
It’s time for Bullhead City to step up and act with greater urgency. By lowering the temperature threshold and extending the operating hours of cooling centers, we can offer a lifeline to those most in need during these blistering summer months.
—K.C. Rivers, BHC Resident