The County of Madera, City of Madera, and City of Chowchilla have established the following locations as Cooling Centers during times of extreme summer heat. The Centers will be open the days and times of the week as indicated on the list provided below. Other Centers may be opened on an “as need” basis and will be announced through the Madera County Sheriff’s Office. Centers are closed on holidays unless otherwise indicated.
COUNTY LOCATIONS: For more information please contact the Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Services Division at (559) 675-7770.
CITY OF MADERA: For more information on locations, please contact City Administration at (559) 661-5400 (during regular business hours) or the Madera Police Department at (559) 675-4200 after regular business hours. City of Madera residents may contact Dial-a-Ride at (559) 661-7433 for transportation. Center hours will be extended as needed and announced through the local media.
CITY OF CHOWCHILLA: For more information on locations, please contact the City Community Relations Office at (559) 665-8615, Extension 110 (during regular business hours); and the Chowchilla Police Department at (559) 665-8600 after regular business hours. During business hours, residents may contact CATX for transportation at (559) 665-8655.
Activation of the Cooling Center sites, beyond regular operating hours, will be assessed on an “as need” basis.
Cooling Center Sites:
CITY OF CHOWCHILLA:
Chowchilla Senior Center
820 West Robertson Blvd.
Chowchilla, CA
559-665-4781
Monday – Friday 9:00am – 1:00pm
CITY OF MADERA:
Frank Bergon Senior Center Pan Am Community Center
238 South D. Street 703 East Sherwood Way
Madera, CA Madera, CA
559-673-4293 559-675-2095
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 2:30pm Monday – Friday 8:00am – 8:00pm
MADERA COUNTY:
Madera Ranchos:
Rancho Hills Senior Center
37739 Berkshire Drive
Madera, CA
559-645-4864
Monday – Friday 9:00am to 1:00pm
Coarsegold:
Coarsegold Community Center Yosemite Lakes Park Clubhouse
35540 Highway 41 30250 Yosemite Springs Parkway
Coarsegold, CA 93614 Coarsegold, CA 93614
559-683-7953 559-658-7466
Monday – Friday 10:00am – 1:00pm Daily 8:00am – 8:00pm
Water Available Monday – Friday
8:00am – 5:00pm Clubhouse Office Hours
Oakhurst:
Sierra Senior Center
49111 Cinder Lane
Oakhurst, CA 93644
559-658-2200
Monday – Friday 9:00am – 2:00pm
North Fork:
Grace Community Church
56442 Road 200
North Fork, CA 93643
559-877-2346
Monday – Friday 10:00am – 1:00pm
Heat-Related Emergency Tips
• Outdoor workers require special precautions during excessive heat conditions and employers must follow California’s heat illness prevention regulations (www.dir.ca.gov/oshsb/heatillnessoaltext.doc).
• Children up to age 4, people taking certain medications, persons with disabilities, and seniors age 65 and over are particularly less able to cope with hotter weather and should be monitored throughout the day for signs of heat-related illness.
• Regardless of your activity level, drink more fluids —especially water—and more than you think you need. Your body needs water for many crucial functions and dehydration can lead to serious health effects.
• Make sure clothing is lightweight and comfortable and—if you’re planning to be outdoors—avoid the hottest parts of the day by scheduling activities during cooler hours (generally mornings and evenings). Also be sure to wear a hat and use sunscreen because sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool itself.
• Don’t over exert. Stay cool indoors by turning on an air conditioner or evaporative cooling system. If you don’t have access to air conditioned space at home, please visit a local shopping mall, senior center, public library, community center, or other facility that is open to the public.
• Do not rely only on electric fans during a heat wave. When the temperature is in the 90s or above, a fan will not prevent heat-related illness. A cool shower or bath is a better way to beat the heat and keep body temperatures at safer levels.
• Use common sense. Avoid hot meals and heavy, spicy foods when the weather gets hot. Eat smaller meals more often.
• Never leave infants, children, or pets unattended in your vehicle, not even for a moment.
• Don’t forget about your pets! For information on protecting your pets from the heat, please visit www.aspca.org for Hot Weather Tips.
• If you, or someone you know, may be at risk for heat-related illness, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
• Call 911 in the event of a true health emergency.
• Visit the following websites for comprehensive guidelines about staying healthy in hot weather.
