July 9, 2021 – Most of California will be experiencing excessive heat into next week. Heat waves are the leading cause of extreme weather-related deaths in the United States. Remember to check on those most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

The following locations are set-up as Cooling Centers during the summer months. 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: The Sheriff’s Office front lobby will be open for the public to come in and use as a cooling center. Please see the list below for the locations.

For more information or if special needs exist, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (559) 675-7770.

Madera County Locations:

Sheriff’s Office – Headquarters
2725 Falcon Drive, Madera, CA 93637
(559) 675-7770

Monday to Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Sheriff’s Office – Oakhurst Substation
48267 Liberty Drive, Oakhurst, CA 93644
(559) 658-2555

Monday to Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

*For after hours and weekend needs, please contact Sheriff’s Dispatch Center at (559) 675-7770*

City of Chowchilla:

Residents within the City of Chowchilla needing individual assistance during extreme hot weather are urged to call the Chowchilla Police Department at (559) 665-8600.

The City of Chowchilla does not operate a specific cooling/warming center. Individual needs will be handled by the Police Department personnel.

When necessary, in response to an emergency situation and in accordance with the City’s Emergency Plan, the City of Chowchilla Police Department will establish appropriate facility options and notify residents of these options to facilitate their comfort and safety needs.

City of Madera:

Please see the City of Madera Website for more information: https://www.madera.gov/cooling-centers.

Heat-Related Emergency Tips

• 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 overexert. 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 ASPCA Web Link below 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.

• https://www.ready.gov/heat 
  
  
• https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat 
  
  
• https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-ofemergencies/heat-wave-safety.html 
  
  
• https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/hot-weather-safety-tips 

View PDF here.

‘Click’ here to view more Extreme Heat information for Madera County.

Source: Madera County & Madera County Health Department