County Allots $10,000 for Emergency Cooling Stations Ahead of Next Summer

Mohave County is preparing for next summer’s extreme heat with a proactive measure proposed by District 5 Supervisor Ron Gould. He is recommending a budget of $10,000 for the purchase of coolers and support equipment, aiming to safeguard residents against rising temperatures and potential power outages.

The funding would be drawn from the District 5 allocation under the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act. This investment is intended to assist both remote and accessible areas suffering from extreme heat conditions, particularly in locations that lack backup power systems.

“Mohave County experiences periods of extreme high temperatures that range from a few to several months annually,” Gould noted in his proposal. According to reports, Havasu recorded average temperatures of 114 degrees, with certain days soaring to 119 degrees during July, highlighting the severe risks posed to residents.

Gould emphasized the increasing frequency of such extreme conditions, which have affected both separated and remote sites within the county in recent years. The purchase would allow the Mohave County Risk and Emergency Management Department to deploy large portable evaporative coolers when urgent situations arise, enhancing community support during critical times.

“By purchasing these coolers, the county would be better prepared and equipped to aid in extreme heat situations and prolonged power outages,” he stated, further reinforcing the importance of emergency preparedness.

The Mohave County Board of Supervisors is set to discuss and vote on this proposal during their next meeting in Kingman on Monday.