2 Dead In South Bay Heat Wave: Milpitas Cooling Centers

MILPITAS, CA — The Bay ARea heat wave has turned deadly. Santa Clara County public health officials announced Wednesday that two senior citizens died from the heat.

The Santa Clara County medical examiner's office identified the two victims as 72-year-old Dennis Young and 87-year-old Setsu Jordan.

"It is tragic when someone dies of hyperthermia, since in most every case, it could have been prevented," Michelle Jorden, a neuropathologist with the medical examiner's office, said in a statement. "Hypothermia and heat stress happen when a body's heat regulation system cannot handle the heat," Jorden said. "It can happen to anyone, which is why it is so important to be in a cool location, drink plenty of water and take a cool bath or shower if you are getting too hot."

The Milpitas Office of Emergency Services has announced that three Milpitas locations have been designated as Cooling Stations.

According to the OES, heat-related illnesses can cause heat stroke, exhaustion, cramps and even death. Heat related illness is no joke. If you need somewhere to cool off, head to any of the following Milpitas Cooling Stations during regular business hours:

• Community Center: 457 E. Calaveras Blvd.
Open Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Phone: 408-586-3210

• Barbara Lee Senior Center: 40 N. Milpitas Blvd.
Open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 408-586-3400

• Sports Center: 1325 E. Calaveras Blvd.
Open Monday – Thursday, 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Phone: 408-586-3225

Cooling station participants will have access to the lobby area only of the facilities listed above. Animals, other than service-animals are not permitted inside the facilities.

For more information on keeping your pets cool and safe during high heat temperatures, contact the Silicon Valley Humane Society.

-Image via Shutterstock; Bay City News contributed to this report