With temperatures hitting triple digits locally, cooling centers are currently open in Wrightwood and Phelan. County of San Bernardino Health Officer Dr. Michael Sequeira issued a heat advisory Tuesday as extreme triple-digit temperatures are expected to last through the week.
During sizzling summer days, cooling centers provide a place for you and your family to go, to cool down. When temperatures go up, so do Edison bills. Cooling centers are a fabulous way to save money by pooling resources. For others without cooling systems, over-exposure to heat can cause illness even death. It is important to have options to beat the heat in the comfort of your community. Currently, three places have made that possible locally in the Tri-Community.
In Wrightwood, the Community Building is open and available as a cooling station Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Fridays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. The building is always clean and welcoming, with wonderful artwork from local artists on the walls. One could bring a project, board game, or get a book to enjoy in the comfort of the mountains. The Community Building is at 1275 Hwy 2, In Wrightwood.
Also, in Wrightwood, the Wrightwood Branch Library is open Monday through Wednesday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, Thursday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. the Wrightwood Branch Library is located at 6011 Pine St. in Wrightwood.
In Phelan, the Phelan Memorial Library has been temporarily renamed the “cool place to be,” said Tim Johnson, Manager of the library. Currently, the library is available as a place to beat the heat Monday through Wednesday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, Thursday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Always immaculately kept, it’s a great place to read or use the computers. Tables are available too, perhaps, enjoy a quiet project brought from home. The Phelan memorial library is located at Clovis 9800 Road in Phelan.
Be sure to stay hydrated and in a cool place. Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors at least twice a day, and bring pets inside during periods of extreme heat. You should also ensure that pets have plenty of water and shade if kept outside.
Seniors requiring assistance due to the heat may contact Adult Protective Services 24 hours a day at (877) 565-2020. In addition, the County of San Bernardino operates several air-conditioned Cooling Centers open to the public during dangerously hot weather. Locations include branch libraries in Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Hesperia, Needles, Phelan, Trona, or Wrightwood. Call 211 for additional sites near your zip code.
