Cooling Centers Available For Walnut Creek Residents During Heat Wave

Press release from the City of Walnut Creek:

August 17, 2020

The high temperatures will continue throughout the east bay through Wednesday, with the State issuing a Flex-Alert, urging residents to restrict usage of electricity from 3:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Rotating power outages will be used throughout the State to help relieve the pressure on the electrical grid; no word on whether or not Walnut Creek will be impacted. Monday through Wednesday, Tice Valley Gym will be open from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. as a cooling center for residents in need. The facility, at 2055 Tice Valley Blvd., cannot accept pets, and masks must be worn at all times.

The County’s Employment and Human Services Department has three offices available as “places to cool” this week.

Open Monday-Tuesday, August 17-18, 2020, from 1pm-5pm:

• 4545 Delta Fair Blvd., Antioch
• 400 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill
• 1305 Macdonald, Richmond

Water will be available. Social distancing and face-covering requirements are in place at all locations. Capacity may be limited to comply with County health orders. Community members should NOT go to any of these places to cool off if they have been exposed to or are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, or if they have been ordered to quarantine.

TIPS TO PREVENT heat-related symptoms:

• Drink water. Sip all day; do not wait until you are thirsty.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages, sugary soft drinks, and full-strength fruit juices.
• Limit physical activity and wear a hat outside, preferably with a wide brim.
• Keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but windows should be slightly open.
• Open windows to cooling breezes in the evening.

See more ways to Beat the Heat.

This press release was produced by the City of Walnut Creek. The views expressed here are the author’s own.