Hot Weather Safety Tips & Cooling Centers to Support Community Health
Published on October 18, 2023
The National Weather Service is predicting moderate to high heat into the weekend. Practice hot weather safety with these tips.
Understand the Health Risks of Hot Weather
Hot weather increases the risk of heat-related health complications such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, dehydration, hyperthermia, and heat cramps. Those with limited access to cooling, the homeless, the elderly, and children are all at highest risk. Take extra precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.
Practice Hot Weather Safety
Keep cool and stay safe with these hot weather tips
- Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors like black that absorb sun rays.
- Wear a wide-brimmed, vented hat, or use an umbrella when outdoors.
- Drink plenty of water or sports drink, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and lots of sugar as they speed up fluid loss.
- Avoid outdoor and strenuous activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Use a buddy system when working or exercising in excessive heat. Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.
- Use air conditioning and remain in cool places during the day. Find a cooling center if you don't have access to air conditioning at home. Palo Alto libraries act as cooling centers in our community during normal business hours. For details see below or go here.
- Never leave people or pets in a closed, parked car.
- Check on your pets frequently and provide them with plenty of water.
- Minimize direct exposure to the sun. Sunburn reduces your body's ability to dissipate heat.
- Keep window coverings closed during the day to block the sun's heat.
- Eat small meals and eat more often. Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads.
- Take a cool bath or shower if you feel yourself overheating. Use moist towels to cool down as needed.
- Check on vulnerable family, friends, and neighbors often.
Know Your Local Cooling Centers
Beat the heat by visiting Palo Alto libraries and the Palo Alto Art Center Auditorium, which serve as Cooling Centers during normal business hours to support community health. Find a full list of Palo Alto libraries below.
Children’s Library: Located at 1278 Harriet St. Palo Alto CA 94301. Open Tuesday – Thursday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
College Terrace Library: Located at 2300 Wellesley St. Palo Alto CA 94306. Open Wednesday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Downtown Library: Located at 270 Forest Ave. Palo Alto CA 94301. Open Wednesday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mitchell Park Library: Located at 3700 Middlefield Rd Palo Alto CA 94303. Open Tuesday – Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Rinconada Library: Located at 1213 Newell Rd. Palo Alto CA 94303. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Art Center Auditorium: Located at 1313 Newell Rd. Palo Alto, CA 94303. Open Saturday and Sunday, July 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking may be limited due to the Clay and Glass Festival.
Other Ways to Stay Cool
Rinconada Pool is available to the community with the lap pool open Monday – Friday from noon - 4:15 p.m., Saturday from noon - 5 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Play pool is open Monday – Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Mitchell Park has its own water park feature for kids to have fun and stay cool.
Santa Clara County also hosts various cooling centers.
Additional Safety Resources