As summer approaches and daily temperatures begin to climb into the 90s and 100s, the City of Twentynine Palms reminds residents that a Cooling Center is available in the community.

The Senior Center, located at 6539 Adobe Road in downtown Twentynine Palms, across from the Fire Station, is climate controlled and open for residents to cool off Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Should the heat index reach 115 degrees or other conditions or emergencies necessitate, the Senior Center will be open additional hours and on weekends and will serve as a designated Cooling Center. The building is also equipped with a generator in case of power outages.

For assistance, residents can call the Senior Center at 760-367-5780 or 760-361-1410.

Seniors, infants, young children, and people with chronic health conditions are most vulnerable to health problems during hot weather and should take extra precautions. Residents should check on their elderly family members, neighbors, and friends during extremely hot weather to make sure they are safe and comfortable. Everyone is advised to drink plenty of fluids, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, and pace themselves when outside.

Residents can reduce the risk of heat-related problems by following a few simple steps to stay cool:

• -Turn on air conditioning, swamp coolers, portable or ceiling fans to help keep rooms cooler.
• -Increase fluid intake, especially water, regardless of your activity level. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages such as coffee, soda, and tea.
• -If you or someone you know is feeling ill from the heat, remove them from the heat immediately, offer water, and seek medical help or call 911.
• -Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• -If you work outside, start drinking fluids before your job begins and keep drinking fluids. Try to arrange your work in the cooler hours of the day.