A Cool Thing To Do A Community Partnership to Beat the Heat CLICK HERE FOR COOLING LOCATIONS A Cool Thing to Do is program designed to raise awareness of the dangers of extreme heat and to offer cool alternatives for those who can’t find relief from the heat at home. A Cool Thing To Do will be activated when local meteorologists decide that conditions warrant. When temperatures are forecast to approach a heat index adjusted number of 93 degrees, meteorologists will confer to decide if the potential exists for a heat emergency. As a rule of thumb, heat index temperatures of 93-102 degrees will warrant a “condition orange—heat alert,” and 103 degrees and above will establish a “condition red—heat warning.” Meteorologists will also take other factors into consideration, such as the length of time that temperatures are expected to remain high, when making the determination. The orange condition is similar to a thunderstorm or tornado watch. Be aware of the problems that the weather may cause and take precautions. See the attached Heat Wave Safety Tips for more information. The red condition is similar to a thunderstorm or tornado warning. There is a real risk of heat-related illness. Slow down and stay in the coolest place available. Information about local cooling centers is sent to the media whenever an orange or red condition is declared. Transportation for anyone who cannot use CATA’s regular fixed route buses to get to a cooling center will be arranged either through the TCOA Crisis Services line (483-7205) or the Red Cross (484-7641).