Partners Standards

Organizations wishing to become a Heat Relief Network partner in the 2026 heat season must complete the HRN Standards Form. This form is located at the beginning of the partner application forms, available on the Heat Relief Network page. The HRN Standards Form serves as an agreement that outlines the minimum community-adopted standards for running either the four types of stationary Heat Relief Network sites or for joining as a Heat Relief Outreach Partner.

The Heat Relief Network's success is contingent upon partners' ability and willingness to work together to reduce heat-related injury and death. As such, each heat relief site is expected to maintain a professional and non-discriminatory environment. By joining the Heat Relief Network, each site or outreach partner agrees to treat visitors and other HRN partners with kindness, dignity, and respect. Inability to uphold these overarching standards, or any of the below site-specific standards, could result in removal of the site from the HRN map.

Standards for All Stationary Sites

Services are offered at stationary locations (not mobile sites)
Open to the public
Not a private residence (Examples of appropriate entities include government facilities, nonprofit agencies, academic institutions, healthcare facilities, businesses, and congregations)
Open on a consistent schedule
Open during hours stated in application form
Offer services stated in application form
Allow service animals
Does not discriminate based on age, race, religion, housing status or gender identity
Maintains a designated point of contact for all heat relief coordinated needs
Organization representative participates in or watches recording of HRN orientation
Communicates all service changes to [email protected]

For Respite Centers

Respite Center: Indoor, air-conditioned location that offers hydration and allows for uninterrupted rest, sitting, or lying down (depending on each facility) during hours of operation. Example: Places of worship or facilities with the ability to allow visitors reasonable rest options.

Hydration must be made available either as bottled water or as an available container to fill with supplied water to take away
Site staff present in the respite center area to ensure water is available, air conditioning is functioning, and visitors are able to rest
Daily service hours for the cooling center must be displayed, including any holiday hours as applicable
Clear Heat Relief Network signage with service type (i.e., respite center) must be visible from the street as local zoning ordinances permit (signage provided by county)
Functioning air conditioning
Space and accommodations for visitors to sit or lie down for uninterrupted rest
Access to functioning bathrooms
Visitors are allowed to spend a minimum of 2 hours at the center unless at capacity or at scheduled closing time

For Cooling Centers

Cooling Center: Indoor, air-conditioned location that offers hydration. Example: Libraries or places of business that offer spaces to sit and distribute water.

Hydration must be made available either as bottled water or as an available container to fill with supplied water to take away
Site staff present in the cooling center area to ensure water is available and that air conditioning is functioning
Daily service hours for the cooling center must be displayed, including any holiday hours as applicable
Clear Heat Relief Network signage with service type (i.e., cooling center) must be visible from the street as local zoning ordinances permit (signage provided by county)
Functioning air conditioning
Space and accommodations for visitors to sit
Access to functioning bathrooms
Visitors are allowed to spend a minimum of 2 hours at the center unless at capacity or at scheduled closing time

For Hydration Station

Hydration Station: Indoor or outdoor locations where individuals can go to receive bottled water and other collected donated items.

Hydration must be made available either as bottled water or as an available container to fill with supplied water to take away
Site staff must be present to restock water
Outdoor sites only: shade must be available
Daily service hours for the hydration station must be displayed, including any holiday hours as applicable
Clear Heat Relief Network signage with service type (i.e., hydration station) must be visible from the street as local zoning ordinances permit (signage provided by county)

For Collection and Donation Site

Collection and Donation Site: Water bottles can be donated here for use at heat relief locations and hydration stations. Some sites also accept other donations such as clothing, hats, and toiletries.

Available space to receive donations
Ability to coordinate supply pick-up or drop-off with donors and other heat relief sites in need

Standards for Heat Relief Outreach Partners

Heat Relief Outreach Partners: A nonprofit, agency, or community group conducting mobile or field-based outreach to distribute water, provide heat safety education, and connect individuals to nearby heat relief services.

Operates as a nonprofit, public agency, faith-based organization, or community group, and/or demonstrate partnership with an eligible entity aligned with HRN standards.
When resources are available, offers water, heat relief resources, and /or educational materials during outreach.
Provides information to individuals about nearby HRN relief sites, transportation options, and 211 services.
Does not discriminate based on age, race, religion, housing status or gender identity.
Offers water, heat relief resources and /or educational materials during outreach (as available).
Provides services without discrimination based on age, race, religion, housing status, or gender identity.
Maintains a designated point of contact for all heat relief coordinated needs.
Organization representative participates in or watches recording of HRN orientation.
Communicates all service changes to [email protected]

In-Season Outreach Coordination
Throughout the heat season, Heat Relief Outreach Partners may be asked if they are able to engage in coordinated outreach efforts in high-risk or underserved areas, as well as share basic outreach data, such as area served, estimated individuals reached, and relevant field observations, to support network planning.