FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 27, 2022
Media Contacts:
Kathryn Kaminski, Office of Supportive Housing, (669) 288-2639
Kia Xiong, Office of Emergency Management Media Line, (408) 808-7866
Warming Centers Open Throughout Santa Clara County
Heavy rain could displace residents of rivers, creeks and stream beds. Seek higher ground and respite from the elements now!
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. – The National Weather Service is currently forecasting heavy rain for the County of Santa Clara this week. Localized flooding, especially in poor drainage areas, swollen larger rivers, ponding of water on roadways, and fallen debris could impact driving and/or cause potential hazards for Santa Clara County. For displaced residents of rivers, creeks and stream beds, please seek higher ground and respite from the elements when centers are available. To find your nearest warming center location or overnight warming location call the Here 4 You hotline at (408) 385-2400, hours are extended to 8 p.m. during inclement weather activation.
For a complete list of warming center locations and hours of operation, visit www.PrepareSCC.org/ColdWeather. Community members can also locate overnight warming locations (OWL) by calling the referral line at (408) 539-2105 or by emailing [email protected].
Cupertino Library
10800 Torre Ave.
Cupertino, CA
Hours of Operation:
Tues., Dec. 27 to Thurs., Dec. 29 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Gilroy Library
350 W. 6th St.,
Gilroy, CA
Hours of Operation
Tues., Dec. 27 to Wed., Dec. 28 from 1 to 9 p.m.
Thurs., Dec. 29 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Los Altos Library
13 S. San Antonio Road
Los Altos, CA
Hours of Operation
Tues., Dec. 27 to Thurs., Dec. 29 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Milpitas Library
160 N. Main St.
Milpitas, CA
Hours of Operation
Tues., Dec. 27 to Thurs., Dec. 29 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Morgan Hill Library
660 W. Main Ave.
Morgan Hill
Hours of Operation
Tues., Dec. 27 to Wed., Dec. 28 from 12 to 9 p.m.
Thurs., Dec. 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saratoga Library
13650 Saratoga Ave.
Saratoga, CA
Hours of Operation
Tues., Dec. 27 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Wed., Dec. 28 to Thurs., Dec. 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Woodland Library
1975 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA
Hours of Operation
Tues., Dec. 27 to Wed., Dec. 28 from 11 am to 8 pm
Thurs., Dec. 29 from 11 am to 5 pm
We encourage community members to take precautions against hypothermia and to seek out warming centers. The County’s Office of Supportive Housing encourages people who are unsheltered to take advantage of Warming Centers. Outreach workers, community partners and volunteers continue to visit encampments and distribute blankets, ponchos, tarps and tents while providing information about Warming Centers to those who are unsheltered. Please call the Here 4 You Hotline at (408) 385-2400 for shelter beds (limited availability).
People who may be vulnerable and at higher risk of hypothermia include those who are 65 and older and young children. Alcohol, drug use, and medications can also increase the risk of hypothermia. Left untreated, hypothermia limits your nervous system from working correctly. It can cause a complete failure of your heart and respiratory system, and can even be fatal.
The Office of Emergency Management urges community members to sign up for AlertSCC, make an emergency plan, build an emergency supply kit, and help family, friends and neighbors prepare for cold temperatures.
Cold Weather Safety Tips
- Do NOT burn charcoal or other flammable materials in an enclosed space to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Drive slowly and be on the lookout for hazardous travel with slick road conditions including possible ponding on roads and freeway off-ramps and minor flooding in low-lying or poor drainage areas.
- Unsheltered community members, older adults, children and those with access and functional needs should seek shelter now as they are at higher risk of hypothermia.
- Avoid being outside during the coldest part of the day, or for extended periods of time in extremely cold weather.
- Dress in layers, wear a hat, scarf, gloves and mittens, and waterproof, insulated boots to avoid hypothermia or frostbite.
- Get out of wet clothes as soon as possible to reduce the risk of hypothermia.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water with electrolytes.
- Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and non-prescription medication if you will be staying outside as it may lead to death or serious injury.
- Seek medical attention immediately and call 9-1-1 if you see someone experiencing hypothermia.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a medical emergency that happens when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Normal body temperature is about 98.6 F, and hypothermia occurs when your body temperature drops below 95 F.
People who are 65 and older or very young children are at a higher risk of hypothermia. Alcohol, drug use, and medications can also increase the risk of hypothermia. Left untreated, hypothermia limits your nervous system from working correctly. It can cause a complete failure of your heart and your respiratory system, and it can even be fatal.
Symptoms of hypothermia include:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Exhaustion
- Severe shivering
- Clumsiness and lack of coordination
- Slurred speech or mumbling
- Drowsiness or very low energy
- Weak pulse
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Progressive loss of consciousness
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About the Office of Supportive Housing
The County of Santa Clara Office of Supportive Housing’s (OSH) mission is to increase the supply of housing and supportive housing that is affordable and available to extremely low-income and/or special needs households. OSH supports the County's mission of promoting a healthy, safe, and prosperous community by ending and preventing homelessness. During emergencies and disasters, OSH mobilizes and supports service providers and outreach workers to make extra visits to encampments to distribute water and provide information for services. OSH works closely with the Office of Emergency Management to ensure coordination of resources and communication while serving vulnerable populations in our community. For more information about the Office of Supportive Housing, please visit https://osh.sccgov.org/home.
ABOUT THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
The Office of Emergency Management is responsible for supporting first responders including fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical services in emergencies and disasters. We are also responsible for facilitating the coordination of resources from Local and State partners, community-based organizations, and faith-based organizations to provide community members with relief and supplies in an emergency or disaster. Our mission is to safeguard lives, property, and the environment through strategic coordination of cross‐functional operations during the preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation phases of emergency management. Improving the governmental, economic, and operational efficiency and resiliency of the County of Santa Clara and the entire Operational Area (Op Area). To learn more about the Office of Emergency Management, please visit www.PrepareSCC.org.