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Worcester emergency management lists cooling/warming centers; residents and advocates press for clearer transportation and accessible alert plans
Summary
The city identified locations and hours for warming and cooling centers but several residents and advocates told the commission the city needs clearer transportation arrangements, printed outreach, and accessible communications for people who do not use social media or who rely on paratransit.
Robert Conley, Director of Emergency Management for the City of Worcester, briefed the Accessibility Advisory Commission on the city’s warming and cooling centers and the difference between those climate centers and overnight emergency shelters.
Conley said the city operates climate centers at the Main (Frances Perkins) Library and the Senior Center; during holidays the Frances Xavier Center on Temple Street may be used. He said climate centers operate during normal facility business hours and the city posts up‑to‑date information through the city manager’s office and social media.
Conley and commissioners reiterated that climate centers provide daytime respite from extreme heat or cold and are not overnight shelters, which are activated under distinct emergency operations and, if needed, may involve bus dispatch to move people to shelters.
Members of the public and disability advocates raised several access and logistics concerns. Sharon from the Bay State Council of the Blind asked whether WRTA (the regional transit authority) is notified when an emergency status is set; Conley said climate centers are located on existing bus routes and the WRTA does not alter routes for climate centers, though during declared disasters the city may request buses to transport people to shelters when available. Advocates emphasized the need to clarify how paratransit users would access shelters in a disaster.
Caller comments and commission discussion also requested clearer printed materials and outreach for people who do not use social media. Several speakers recommended mailed brochures, more readily available hard‑copy guidance, better accessibility (including ASL interpreters and braille materials), and clearer instructions about whether to call 311 or 911 for transportation needs during a major hazard.
Conley described the city’s typical facility hours for climate centers: Worcester Senior Center Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Main Library Tuesday–Wednesday 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Thursday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sunday and Monday noon–4 p.m. He said in extreme cases hours can be extended. For imminent hazards the city issues alerts through the National Weather Service and federal wireless emergency alert systems; Conley recommended ready.gov for household preparedness information and said the city is working to obtain printed FEMA/ready.gov materials for distribution.
Commissioners asked for follow‑up about paratransit coordination and for clear, multi‑modal outreach to reach older residents and people who are deaf, blind, or who do not use digital channels. Conley said the city is working to improve plans that address access and functional needs (AFN) and to integrate transportation planning into those operations but acknowledged the city’s current planning does not yet include a citywide paratransit transport solution for every emergency scenario.
The commission and callers urged the city to expand non‑internet outreach, clarify whether 311 or 911 should be used for transport needs in specific scenarios, and ensure ASL and braille access are part of emergency communications and shelter operations.
