Madera cooling center activated

Due to anticipated excessive heat, the following City of Madera Cooling Center location is tentatively scheduled to open until Wednesday at the Frank Bergon Senior Center (238 S. D Street) from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Due to COVID-19, please be advised of the following:

• Participants are required to wear a face-covering

• Prior to entry participants will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19. Participants who display symptoms of COVID-19, who are awaiting results from a recent COVID-19 test, or who have recently come into contact with someone that has tested positive for COVID-19 will not be permitted entry

• Total numbers will not be allowed to exceed 10 participants at any given time. If the demand is greater, additional cooling center locations will be activated.

• Cooling Center(s) will be frequently sanitized

Madera Metro will offer rides to accommodate those in need of transportation to local cooling centers between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.. Simply board any route 1 bus and let the driver know you are headed to a cooling center. For Dial-A-Ride (as available only), riders must advise dispatch when scheduling pick-up that they desire to be taken to a cooling center. Residents may contact Dial-A-Ride at 661-7433.

Cooling centers are open to the public and meant to provide relief for those who otherwise do not have access to an air-conditioned environment. The City of Madera urges residents to take steps to protect against heat-related illnesses. These illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, occur when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. Children, senior adults and people with chronic illness are at highest risk.

For information on staying cool during times of extreme heat, please see Pacific Gas & Electric’s Summer Safety Tips page.

City officials monitor weather conditions and may call for activation of cooling centers at any time that temperatures are forecast to meet or exceed 105 degrees, or if temperatures are expected to meet or exceed 100 degrees for two or more consecutive days. The public can refer to the City’s website, www.madera.gov to confirm Cooling Center activation. Additionally, residents with questions regarding cooling centers may contact the City of Madera’s Department of Parks and Community Services at 661-5495. The City’s Cooling Centers are made possible through grant funds from Pacific Gas & Electric Company.