COUNTY – The Madera County Sheriff’s Office announced that the County of Madera has established the following locations as Cooling Centers during times of extreme summer heat.
The Centers will be open the days and times of the week as indicated on the list below. Other Centers may be opened on an “as need” basis and will be announced through the Madera County Sheriff’s Office.
Centers are closed on holidays unless otherwise indicated. For more information please contact the Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Services Division at (559) 675-7770.
Coarsegold:
Yosemite Lakes Park Clubhouse is open daily all week long from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is located at 30250 Yosemite Springs Parkway in Coarsegold. Phone (559) 658-7466
Oakhurst:
Sierra Senior Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and is located at 49111 Cinder Lane in Oakhurst. It’s also open the first and second Saturdays of the month from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone (559) 658-2200.
If additional centers are announced we will update this post.
Heat-Related Emergency Tips
- • Outdoor workers require special precautions during excessive heat conditions and employers must follow California’s heat illness prevention regulations (www.dir.ca.gov/oshsb/heatillnessoaltext.doc).
- • Children up to age 4, people taking certain medications, persons with disabilities, and seniors age 65 and over are particularly less able to cope with hotter weather and should be monitored throughout the day for signs of heat-related illness.
- • Regardless of your activity level, drink more fluids —especially water—and more than you think you need. Your body needs water for many crucial functions and dehydration can lead to serious health effects.
- • Make sure clothing is lightweight and comfortable and—if you’re planning to be outdoors—avoid the hottest parts of the day by scheduling activities during cooler hours (generally mornings and evenings). Also be sure to wear a hat and use sunscreen because sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool itself.
- • Don’t over exert. Stay cool indoors by turning on an air conditioner or evaporative cooling system. If you don’t have access to air conditioned space at home, please visit a local shopping mall, senior center, public library, community center, or other facility that is open to the public.
- • Do not rely only on electric fans during a heat wave. When the temperature is in the 90s or above, a fan will not prevent heat-related illness. A cool shower or bath is a better way to beat the heat and keep body temperatures at safer levels.
- • Use common sense. Avoid hot meals and heavy, spicy foods when the weather gets hot. Eat smaller meals more often.
- • Never leave infants, children, or pets unattended in your vehicle, not even for a moment.
- • Don’t forget about your pets! For information on protecting your pets from the heat, please visit www.aspca.org for Hot Weather Tips.
- • If you, or someone you know, may be at risk for heat-related illness, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
- • Call 911 in the event of a true health emergency.
- • Visit the following websites for comprehensive guidelines about staying healthy in hot weather.