June 3, 2016 - The County of Madera, City of Madera, and City of Chowchilla have established the following locations 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 need” basis and will be announced through the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services.  Cooling Centers are closed on holidays unless otherwise indicated.

COUNTY LOCATIONS: For more information, please contact the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services at (559) 675-7770.

CITY OF MADERA: For more information on locations, please contact City Administration at (559) 661-5400 (during regular business hours) or the Madera Police Department at (559) 675-4200 after regular business hours. City of Madera residents may contact Dial-a-Ride at (559) 661-7433 for transportation.  Center hours will be extended as needed and announced through the local media.

CITY OF CHOWCHILLA: For more information on locations, please contact the City Community Relations Office at (559) 665-8615, Extension 110 (during regular business hours); and the Chowchilla Police Department at (559) 665-8600 after regular business hours. During business hours, residents may contact CATX for transportation at (559) 665-8655.

Madera County Valley Locations

Name	Address	Days	Times
Rancho Hills Senior Center	37739 Berkshire Drive, Madera, CA 93638 559-645-4864	Monday to Friday	9am to 1pm

Coarsegold Community Center	35540 Highway 41, Coarsegold, CA 93614 559-683-7953	Monday to Friday	10am to 1pm
Yosemite Lakes Park Clubhouse	30250 Yosemite Springs Parkway, Coarsegold, CA 93614 559-658-7466	All Week	8am to 8pm
Sierra Senior Center	49111 Cinder Lane, Oakhurst, CA 93644 559-658-2200	Monday to Friday	9am to 2pm
		First 3 Saturday of the Month	9am to 4pm
Grace Community Church	56442 Road 200, North Fork, CA 93643 559-877-2346	Monday to Friday	10am to 1pm

Frank Bergon Senior Center	238 South “D” Street, Madera, CA 93638 559-673-4293	Monday to Friday	8am to 2:30pm
Pan Am Community Center	703 East Sherwood Way, Madera, CA 93638 559-675-2095	Monday to Friday	8am to 8pm

Chowchilla Senior Center	820 West Robertson Blvd, Chowchilla, CA 93610 559-665-4781	Monday to Friday	9am to 1pm

 

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.

1. www.caloes.ca.gov
2. www.wrh.noagov/hnx
   
   www.redcross.org
   Source: Madera County