With temps creeping up over 100 degrees in many areas, and some residents without air conditioning, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services wants you to know where you can go to cool down. Cooling Centers have been established throughout the county, so check this listing below for a center near you.
Madera County Operational Area Excessive Weather Cooling Centers – 2012
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 need” basis and will be announced through the Madera County Sheriff’s Office. Centers are closed on holidays unless otherwise indicated.
For more information on County locations, please contact the Sheriff’s Department/Office of Emergency Services at (559) 675-7770.
Activation of the Cooling Center sites, beyond regular operating hours, will be assessed on an “as need” basis.
Mountain Communities:
Coarsegold Oakhurst
Coarsegold Community Center Sierra Senior Center
35540 Highway 41 49111 Cinder Lane
Coarsegold, CA 93614 Oakhurst, CA 93644
559-683-7953 559-683-3811
Mon, Tues & Thurs 10:00am – 1:00pm Mon – Fri 9:00am – 2:00pm
Yosemite Lakes Park Clubhouse Heat-Related Emergency Tips – 2012
30250 Yosemite Springs Parkway
Coarsegold, CA
559-658-7466
Daily 8:00am – 8:00pm
Water available Mon – Fri 8:00am – 5:00pm Clubhouse Office
• 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 Fido! 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.
• And call 911 in the event of a true health emergency.
John P. Anderson
Sheriff & Director of Emergency Services
When is the hottest part of the day? Hmmm – after the senior and community center close. Hope our seniors have transportation to YLP… Possibly it’s best to just go hang out a local coffee shop or maybe wander the grocery store aimlessly from 2 until sundown.