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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 9, 2024
Media Contact:
Kia Xiong
Media Line (408) 808-7866
Email: [email protected]
Santa Clara County Activates Warming Centers for the Incoming Cold Weather
Low temperatures and potential weekend rain prompt proactive measures for community well-being
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. – To protect the public from cold temperatures over the next three days, warming centers will open starting Tuesday, Jan. 9 in Palo Alto and throughout Santa Clara County on Wednesday, Jan. 10.
The National Weather Service forecasted potential frost for inland areas with the return of light rain Tuesday into Wednesday with steadier and potentially more impactful rainfall this weekend. Overnight temperatures are forecasted to dip to the mid to high 30s. The areas anticipated to be most affected by the cold weather are the Santa Clara Valley, including Cupertino, Gilroy, San Jose, and Milpitas.
"We continue to diligently prepare to extend warmth and vital resources to the most vulnerable. The County libraries regularly operate as warming centers and provide refuge to those facing the cold," said Kathryn Kaminski, Director of the Office of Supportive Housing. "Outreach teams and community volunteers are in the field working diligently with community service providers, visiting encampments to distribute supplies and raising awareness about the availability of warming centers, inclement weather shelter beds, and essential resources.”
County libraries are operating as warming centers to provide a safe, heated space for people seeking refuge from the cold. The City of San José libraries and community centers are operating as warming centers during regular business hours. For city libraries, go to www.sjpl.org/locations for hours and locations. For city community centers, please go to bit.ly/sjcommunitycenters. There are also other dedicated warming centers open across Santa Clara County. For the complete list of warming center locations, go to www.preparescc.org/coldweather.
College Terrace Library
2300 Wellesley St.
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Tuesday, Jan. 9 – Saturday, Jan. 13 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cupertino Library
10800 Torre Ave.
Cupertino, CA 95014
Wednesday, Jan. 10 - Friday, Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Downtown Library
270 Forest Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Tuesday, Jan. 9 – Saturday, Jan. 13 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Gilroy Library
350 W. 6th St.
Gilroy, CA 95020
Wednesday, Jan. 10 from 1– 9 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 11 – Friday, Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Los Altos Library
13 S. San Antonio Rd.
Los Altos, CA 94022
Wednesday, Jan. 10 - Thursday, Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Los Gatos Library
100 Villa Ave.
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Wednesday, Jan. 10 – Friday, Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Milpitas Library
160 N. Main St.
Milpitas, CA 95035
Wednesday, Jan. 10 – Thursday, Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Mitchell Park Library
3700 Middlefield Rd
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Tuesday, Jan. 9 – Thursday, Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 12 – Sunday, Jan. 14 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Morgan Hill Library
660 W. Main Ave.
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Wednesday, Jan. 10 from noon – 9 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 11 – Friday, Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Rinconada Library
1213 Newell Rd.
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Tuesday, Jan. 9 – Wednesday, Jan. 10 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 11 from noon – 8 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 12 – Sunday, Jan. 14 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saratoga Library
13650 Saratoga Ave.
Saratoga, CA 95070
Wednesday, Jan. 11 - Thursday, Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Woodland Library
1975 Grant Rd.
Los Altos, CA 94024
Wednesday, Jan. 10 from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 11 – Friday, Jan. 12 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Lower temperatures elevate the risk of cold-related illnesses, such as hypothermia and frostbite. Symptoms of hypothermia include confusion, dizziness, exhaustion, severe shivering, clumsiness and lack of coordination, slurred speech, or mumbling. High risk groups include older adults, young children, those with chronic medical conditions, and unsheltered community members. If you see someone who may be experiencing symptoms of hypothermia, call 911 immediately. Hypothermia is a serious medical emergency.
Community members are encouraged to take the necessary cold weather precautions:
- Minimize outdoor exposure during the coldest parts of the day or in prolonged extreme cold conditions.
- Dress in Layer for effective insulation including wearing a hat, scarf, and gloves/mittens to shield against the cold.
- Safeguard against hypothermia and frostbite by wearing waterproof and/or weatherproof shoes and clothing.
- Promptly change out of wet clothing to prevent hypothermia.
- Drink plenty of water ensure proper hydration to maintain bodily warmth.
- The use of drugs and alcohol increases the risk of cold weather-related fatalities. Prioritize safety—refrain from using substances to combat the cold. Instead, seek refuge in a warming center.
For additional information (in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog), please visit www.preparescc.org/coldweather.
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About the Office of Emergency Management
The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is at the forefront of ensuring the safety and resilience of the Santa Clara County community. We remain steadfast, devoted to a core mission - safeguarding lives, protecting property, and preserving the environment. These values form the cornerstone of our existence, guiding us through the phases of emergency management, from emergency preparedness, prevention, and mitigation to the intricate coordination of response and recovery. We envision a future where disaster preparedness is not an individual burden, but a shared responsibility woven into the fabric of our community. This vision extends to every corner of the Operational Area, where we strive for a culture where every resident, every organization, and every entity is prepared.
Visit the OEM Website: www.preparescc.org
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