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May 15, 2008 7:48 pm US/Pacific
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Bay Area Cooling Centers Open Amid Record Highs
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5 / BCN) ―
Record-setting temperatures hit the Bay Area Thursday as the region continued grappling with a heat wave expected to last through the weekend.
Record highs on Thursday included: San Francisco 95, Redwood City 101, San Jose 99, Santa Rosa 99, and Mountain View 98.
The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat watches,
excessive heat warnings and
heat advisories for the expected prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures throughout the Bay Area.
As a result, county and city officials have set up cooling centers throughout the region.
The city of Sunnyvale announced that a cooling center is operating at the city's senior center, 550 E. Remington Drive.
In addition, a list of potential places to cool down throughout Santa Clara County is available at www.211scc.org/disasterinformation.htm, however hours vary and not all centers are open, said county Emergency Services Manager Miguel Gray.
Contra Costa Health Services has also provided a list of places where residents may go to cool off through Friday, which can be viewed at
www.cchealth.org/topics/heat/cool locations.php.
San Mateo County announced that a cooling hot line has been activated for those needing assistance: (888) 762-6789. Cooling centers are available in cities throughout the county.
The centers are open in Atherton, East Palo Alto, Redwood City, Woodside, Portola Valley, Belmont, Burlingame, Hillsborough, Millbrae, Daly City, San Bruno and South San Francisco. Each city has public facilities with air conditioning open to anyone who needs a place to cool off.
In Petaluma, city officials are inviting those looking to escape the heat to go to the Petaluma Library, the Petaluma Community Center or the Petaluma Senior Center.
The city of Livermore advised residents to stop by one of the city's libraries or the Robert Livermore Community Center, 4444 East Ave., to escape the heat.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger suggested all Californians take precautions during the year's first heat wave.
"In numerous areas across the state we will see temperatures rise to triple digits through the weekend, and I want to remind Californians to take precautions during this first heat wave of the year,'' Schwarzenegger said.
"The anticipated record-breaking temperatures are an early reminder of what is to come this summer, and I urge everyone to help reduce their risk of heat-related health problems and to take the necessary steps to prevent power outages that can come with increased use of electric power,'' he added.
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. advised customers to set their air conditioning thermostat at 78 degrees or higher, to turn off unnecessary lights and appliances and to use big appliances after 8 p.m.
"The Bay Area looks great so far and we anticipate having enough energy and sufficient electric supplies with adequate reserves,'' said PG&E spokesman Joe Molica.
For tips on preparing for heat-related emergencies, the governor's office is advising residents to visit the following Web sites:
www.oes.ca.gov or
www.cdph.ca.gov.
(© CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Bay City News contributed to this report.)