Climate shelters are indoor and outdoor spaces with good accessibility, seating areas and drinking water, free of charge, except for swimming pools, where comfortable temperatures are maintained (26 degrees in indoor spaces in the summer and 21 degrees in the winter).

There are several types, but the main ones are:

• Libraries
• Neighbourhood centres
• Community centres
• Museum foyers
• Shopping centres
• Municipal markets
• Spaces between residential blocks
• Cool places in parks and gardens
• Cool spaces in children’s play areas
• Premises belonging to organisations
• School playgrounds

The number of climate shelters open in August has been increased: 256 on weekdays and 189 at weekends. For the first time, five libraries will stay open as climate shelters in August: Biblioteca Sant Pau, Biblioteca Francesca Bonnemaison, Biblioteca Les Roquetes – Rafa Juncadella, Biblioteca Zona Nord – Mària Sánchez and Biblioteca Trinitat Vella – José Barbero. This initiative forms part of the Neighbourhood Plan and the idea is to add another six during the year to act as climate shelters in holiday periods.

The microshelter network has also been launched this year, consisting of commercial establishments joining the programme.

Opening times can be found on the climate shelters website, which also has a map for users to locate their nearest shelters.

Tips to beat the heat

The preventive stage for tackling the heat is from 15 June to 15 September.

The Barcelona Urgent Care and Social Emergency Centre (CUESB) will take the lead in social assistance if the municipal plan is increased to the alert level. This happens when daytime temperatures reach 34 degrees or when the minimum temperature at night exceeds 26.9 degrees centigrade. If the maximum temperature reaches 36 degrees or the minimum rises above 27.9 degrees, the protocol level is increased to emergency.

Recommendations to tackle the heat:

• Lower shutters to keep the home cool and open windows at night.
• Freshen up often with showers or damp towels, use fans, air-conditioning and hand fans. If you haven’t got these, spend a couple of hours a day in cool or air-conditioned places.
• If you need to go outside, avoid the hottest hours of the day.
• Drink water and eat light meals.
• Wear light clothing and use sunscreen.
• Shelter in air-conditioned public spaces and take care of children and the elderly.

The Office for Climate Change and Sustainability is continuing its training on energy poverty and climate resilience this year, aimed at people who give or receive care. In all, 32 sessions have been conducted, providing some 240 people with skills.