Cooling Centers Open in Santa Clara County as Heat Returns

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. – Cooling centers are open throughout Santa Clara County to protect the public from warmer temperatures over the next two days. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Heat Advisory for the entire Bay Area starting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18 to 11 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19.

NWS forecasted daytime temperatures to be in the 90s to 100 degrees. Overnight temperatures are forecasted to dip to the mid-60s in the lower elevations and settle in the lower 70s in the hills. The areas anticipated to be most affected by the heat are the Santa Clara Valley, including San Jose, and the eastern slopes of the Santa Clara Hills.

The higher temperatures elevate the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Community members such as outdoor laborers, those without access to air conditioning, young children, older adults, and individuals with chronic medical conditions are the most vulnerable to heat impacts.

County libraries are operating as cooling centers to provide a safe, air-conditioned space for people seeking relief from the heat. San José libraries are operating as cooling centers during regular business hours. Go to www.sjpl.org/locations for hours and locations. There are also other dedicated cooling centers open across Santa Clara County. For the more cooling center information, go to www.preparescc.org/heatsafety.

"Prioritize your safety during the Heat Advisory these next few days. County Libraries continue to dedicate their facilities as cooling centers, offering a sanctuary to anyone seeking refuge from the heat,” said Kathryn Kaminski, Deputy Director of the Office of Supportive Housing. “Outreach teams and community volunteers are in the field working diligently with community service providers, visiting encampments to distribute water and raising awareness about the availability of cooling centers and essential resources. We encourage community members to opt-in to the County’s official emergency alert and warning system by simply texting BADWEATHER to 888777 to stay informed about critical updates during extreme weather events.”

Cupertino Library
10800 Torre Ave.
Cupertino, CA 95014
Wednesday, Oct. 18 - Thursday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Gilroy Library
350 W. 6th St. 
Gilroy, CA 95020
Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 1– 9 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Los Altos Library
13 S. San Antonio Rd. 
Los Altos, CA 94022
Wednesday, Oct. 18 - Thursday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Los Gatos Library 
100 Villa Ave.
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Wednesday, Oct. 18 – Thursday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Milpitas Library
160 N. Main St.
Milpitas, CA 95035
Wednesday, Oct. 18 – Thursday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Morgan Hill Library
660 W. Main Ave.
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Wednesday, Oct. 18 from noon – 9 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saratoga Library
13650 Saratoga Ave.
Saratoga, CA 95070
Wednesday, Oct. 18 - Thursday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunnyvale Library
665 W Olive Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Thursday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Woodland Library
1975 Grant Rd.
Los Altos, CA 94024
Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Santa Clara County community members are encouraged to check in frequently with older adults and those with chronic conditions who are especially vulnerable to the heat, including family, friends, and neighbors. If you see someone who may be experiencing distress due to the heat, please call 911. 

Community members are encouraged to take heat safety measures including the following:

•    Drink plenty of water and beverages containing electrolytes even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, or lots of sugar because they can speed up fluid loss. 
•    Limit physical activity during peak heat hours.
•    Never leave people or pets in a closed, parked car. 
•    Cool off by taking a bath or shower.
•    Wear light weight, light colored, and loose-fitting clothing to help you keep cool. 
•    Do not bundle babies or put them in heavy clothing. 
•    Wear a wide-brimmed, vented hat or use an umbrella when outdoors.
•    Wear sunglasses and sunscreen.
•    Rest often and find shady places to cool down when outdoors.
•    Check on family, friends, and neighbors.
•    People taking medications should take extra precautions to stay out of the heat. 
•    Drugs such as stimulants can increase body core temperature and may predispose individuals to hyperthermia.  

For additional information (in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog), please visit www.preparescc.org/heatsafety.  

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About the Office of Emergency Management 
The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is at the forefront of ensuring the safety and resilience of the Santa Clara County community. At OEM, our unwavering commitment is to protect lives, property, and the environment across all phases of emergency management: preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. We understand the dynamic nature of emergencies and disasters and strive to create a safer and more resilient community for all.

Visit the OEM Website: www.preparescc.org 
Follow us on Twitter: @SCCOEM
Friend us on Facebook: @SCCOEM
Follow us on Instagram: @santaclaracountyemergencies 
 

Media Contact: Kia Xiong, (408) 808-7866, [email protected]