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Here’s How to Prepare for Extreme Heat in Berkeley

Posted on by angelo

Take steps to protect your health during this week’s excessive heat warning, with dangerously hot temperatures expected through Saturday, July 6 at 8 p.m.

Prepare your home, neighbors, and loved ones this week by:

  • You plan to visit a public library, senior center, or other air-conditioned facility if it’s too hot
  • Gather supplies such as fans, curtains and light clothing to stay cool
  • Partner with others to check in on vulnerable people in your network

Be sure to sign up for AC Alert to receive updates on this and other weather emergencies.

Where to go if your house gets too hot

Visit local libraries and senior centers during regular business hours (closed Thursday, July 4) if you need a safe, cool place to escape the heat. These sites are air-conditioned:

Central Library, 2090 Kittredge Street

  • Wednesday July 3, 10am-6pm
  • Friday and Saturday, July 5 and 6, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue Ave.

  • Wednesday July 2 and 3, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday, July 5 and 6, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch Library, 1901 Russell St.

  • Wednesday July 2 and 3, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday, July 5 and 6, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave.

  • Wednesday, July 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Friday, July 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis St.

  • Wednesday July 2 and 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Team up with your friends, family and neighbors

Take steps to keep yourself and your community safe during the excessive heat warning:

  • At least twice a day through Saturday, check on people living alone, the elderly and people with health conditions that make them more vulnerable to heat.
  • Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles
  • Limit intense outdoor activities and drink water to stay hydrated
  • If you must work or spend time outdoors, take frequent breaks in the shade.

Be alert for signs of heat illness, such as nausea, dizziness, confusion, headache, and pale skin. Call emergency services or 911 if you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or others.

Use basic supplies to stay cool

In hot weather, sweating cools your body. In the process, you lose water, so plan to stay hydrated in the following ways:

  • Prepare ice and cold water to drink
  • Eat foods with high water content, including most vegetables
  • Use a damp towel to keep your skin moist and stand in front of a fan to stay cool.
  • Wear loose, light-colored clothing that reflects heat

Stay cool without air conditioning

Keep your home cool by using windows, curtains and fans to allow fresh air to circulate.

In the early morning, open your windows to let the fresh air in. Once the fresh air is inside, close the windows and use curtains (sheets or reflective film will also work) to block out sunlight and heat throughout the day.

We will continue to monitor this weather event for any changes. Until then, it is always wise to be prepared to evacuate in the event of a wildfire and to consult PG&E for any power outages in your area.

Berkeley Cooling Centers

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This article was originally published on the City of Berkeley website. Follow the news of the City of Berkeley by email or via the city website, X And Instagram.