Local cooling centers available amid Central California heat wave
Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune
Caroyl Doyle and Raymond Mendoza relax while waiting to play Bingo today at the Frank Bergon Senior Center, which is used as a cooling center during high temperatures.
An excessive heat warning will continue through at least Thursday for the San Joaquin Valley and foothills, according to the National Weather Service. Free cooling centers can be found in the city and county of Madera.
The “category red” warning means heat poses a high risk for much of the population, especially those who are heat sensitive or without effective cooling. The weather is not expected to cool much during the night. Precautions should be taken to stay cool and hydrated.
Madera city residents can cool off weekdays at Frank Bergon Senior Center, 238 South D St., from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and at Pan-American Community Center, 703 E. Sherwood Way from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Chowchilla city residents in need of extreme weather aid should call the Chowchilla Police Department at 665-8600 as the city of Chowchilla does not operate any cooling centers.
Madera Ranchos residents can find relief weekdays at Rancho Hills Senior Center, 37739 Berkshire Drive, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Mountain residents can turn to Sierra Senior Center, 49111 Cinder Lane in Oakhurst, on weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and on the first and second Saturday of the month from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. They can also cool off at Yosemite Lakes Park Clubhouse, 30250 Yosemite Springs Parkway in Coarsegold, all week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For information on cooling centers, call the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services at 675-7770. Call 911 instead if suffering a true health emergency.
