Overview:
In response to the extreme heat, city leaders in Fresno and Clovis said cooling centers would be open over the weekend.
Fresno’s first triple-digit weekend lands with a big sweaty thud on Friday with temperatures climbing to around 102.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory through early Sunday. The weekend heat should peak on Saturday at around 105 degrees, an extreme threshold that triggers warnings from public health officials.
“Every heat-related death can be prevented,” Dr. Rais Vohra, Fresno County interim health officer, said in a statement. “It is important to check on older neighbors and family members, especially those who live alone. We advise residents to be proactive and understand steps they can take to keep themselves safe.”
In response to the regularly-scheduled extreme heat, city leaders in Fresno and Clovis said cooling centers would be open over the weekend.
In Fresno, the following cooling centers will be open to the public from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday:
Ted C. Wills Community Center; 770 N. San Pablo Ave.
Mosqueda Community Center; 4670 E. Butler Ave.
Maxie L. Parks Community Center; 1802 E. California Ave.
Additionally, city leaders said the FAX bus system would provide free transportation along normal routes to the cooling centers. For more information on the City of Fresno’s cooling centers, vist www.fresno.gov/coolingcenter.
In Clovis, residents in need can find a shady spot at the Sierra Vista Mall (1050 Shaw Ave.) from 11am to 8pm Saturday, and noon to 6pm Sunday, whenever the National Weather Service predicts temperatures at or above 105.
“Clovis Transit provides rides at no cost, and the mall can be accessed via Stageline’s Route 50 or through the use of our Round Up service,” Clovis city leaders said in a statement.
Additional details on transit stops can be found at clovistransit.com or by calling 559-324-2770.
Meanwhile, Fresno County, which does not provide access to cooling centers like Fresno and Clovis, urged residents to take precautions during the weekend heatwave.
“Individuals seeking cooler environments can visit stores, malls, public facilities, or a nearby cooling center,” county officials said in a news release. “Contact your local community or City to see if they have opened a cooling center or building for a place to stay cool.”
For more local resources and cooling center information, visit www.fcdph.org/extremeheat.
Fresno County leaders also offered the following guidance on preventing heat-related issues.
Remember: water, rest, and shade:
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages such as coffee, soda, and tea
- Rest. Stay indoors and minimize physical activity
- Provide plenty of shade and fresh drinking water for people and pets
- Wear lightweight, light colored, and loose-fitting clothing and apply adequate sunscreen
- Check twice a day on high-risk family members, friends, neighbors, and others
- Never leave a child or pet in a parked car
- Visit a cooling center or other air-conditioned locations
Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include:
- An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F, orally)
- Unconsciousness
- Dizziness, nausea, confusion, or throbbing headache
- Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid strong pulse
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Have someone call 911 while you begin cooling the victim.
Warning signs of heat exhaustion vary but may include:
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Paleness, tiredness, or dizziness
If you see any of these signs, lie the victim down in a shady area. Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can. For example, use a fan and water spray or mist if available; place in a cool shower; spray with cool water from a garden hose; sponge with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously. If not responding, call 911.
