MADERA COUNTY — The County of Madera has established the following locations in the mountain area as Cooling Centers during times of extreme heat. The Centers will be open the days and times of the week as indicated on the list provided below.
Other Centers may be opened on an “as needed” basis and will be announced through the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services. Cooling Centers are closed on holidays unless otherwise indicated.
For more information, please contact the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services at (559) 675-7770.
Coarsegold Community Center
35540 Highway 41, Coarsegold
559-683-7953
Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Yosemite Lakes Park Clubhouse
30250 Yosemite Springs Parkway, Coarsegold
559-658-7466
All Week 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sierra Senior Center
49111 Cinder Lane, Oakhurst
559-658-2200
Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
First three Saturdays of the month 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Grace Community Church
56442 Road 200, North Fork
559-877-2346
Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Heat-Related Emergency Tips
Outdoor workers require special precautions during excessive heat conditions and employers must follow California’s heat illness prevention regulations. Please see www.dir.ca.gov/oshsb/heatillnessoaltext.doc for more information.
- 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.
- Do not over exert. Stay cool indoors by turning on an air conditioner or evaporative cooling system. If you do not 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.
- Do not 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.
