Centers Provide Refuge From Heat

REDLANDS >> The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Alert for Southern California for the coming week, noting that “heat impacts are most likely for the deserts, Inland Empire and mountains below 6,000 feet.” As temperatures rise, the Redlands Community Center, Community Senior Center and Joslyn Senior Center are designated Cool Centers. In addition to providing a place to escape the extreme heat, Redlands Cool Centers offer pleasurable, informative, and enlightening programs in a relaxed and secure environment. People in the community are encouraged to enjoy the day away from their high temperature homes and come down to one of the following facilities: Joslyn Senior Center, located at 21 Grant St, is open Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Redlands Community Senior Center, located at 111 W. Lugonia Ave., is open Monday–Friday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and the Redlands Community Center, located at 111 W. Lugonia Ave, is open Monday–Friday from 2-9 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m..- 5 p.m. Cool Center activities include: puzzles, cards and games, craft and exercise classes, and more. All activities are free. Discover our regular classes and activities during the day too. For more information on Recreation activities, please call the centers at (909) 798-7572 or (909) 798-7550. The County Department of Public Health also offers the following advice: High or unusually hot temperatures can affect one’s health. People are advised to take the necessary precautions to prevent serious health effects such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke by following the tips below. Stay cool • Stay in air-conditioned buildings. • Find an air-conditioned Cooling Center open to the public by dialing the United Way’s toll-free resource telephone line at 2-1-1, or online at http://211sb.org/cooling-centers • Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. • Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when it is the hottest part of the day, and avoid direct sunlight. • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. • Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature. • Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day. Stay hydrated • Drink water more than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. • Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working • Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar. • Make sure your family, friends and neighbors are drinking enough water. For more information contact the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health at 1800-782-4264 or visit the National Weather Service Forecast website at http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sgx/ or the California Department of Public Health website: http://www.bepreparedcalifornia.ca.gov/BeInformed/NaturalDisasters/ExtremeHeat/Pages/ExtremeHeat.aspx City of Redlands press releases and other information are available on the City’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cityofredlands or on the City’s website at www.CityofRedlands.org.