Hot Weather Safety

Extremely hot weather can result in heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn, heat rash, and in some instances death. Please take safety measures to stay safe and lend a helping hand to family, friends, and neighbors. If you know of a vulnerable person without air conditioning, such as an elderly or infirm neighbor or someone with a drug or alcohol disorder or severe mental illness, please help them get to an air-conditioned space between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. If you see someone on the street who may be having a life-threatening reaction to the heat, please call 911. Thank you for doing your part to keep people safe during a heat crisis.

For special accommodations such as pets and provided resources including water, food and refreshments, please contact the Cooling Center of interest.

Cooling Centers are compliant with ADA regulations. Service animals are allowed to accompany community members with access and functional needs.

Find a Cooling Center

Cooling Centers will be listed here when there is an emergency heat event as information from community partners is received.

Location Map

Cooling Center List

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The City of San José libraries and select community centers are operating as Cooling 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.

Statewide Cooling Centers

Looking for a Cooling Center for a loved one or family member outside of Santa Clara County? The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has compiled a list of Cooling Centers across the State. Visit https://bit.ly/CACoolingCenters to find a Cooling Center.

Hot Weather Safety Tips

Drink plenty of water: Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol, caffeine or lots of sugar because they will speed up fluid loss.
Limit physical activity: Avoid physical activity during the hottest time of the day—10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Never leave people or pets in a closed, parked car.
Stay in air-conditioned areas, whenever possible.
Cool off by taking a bath or shower: Cool, plain water baths or moist towels work best. Do not cool children in alcohol baths.
Wear cool clothing: Lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing can help you keep cool. Cotton clothes are good because they let sweat evaporate.
Do not bundle babies: Babies do not handle heat well because their sweat glands are not fully developed. Do not put them in blankets or heavy clothing.
Cover your head: Wear a wide-brimmed, vented hat or use an umbrella when outdoors because your head absorbs heat easily.
Wear sunglasses and sunscreen: Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher when outdoors.
Rest often in shady areas: Find shady places to cool down when outdoors.
Check on frail or elderly family, friends, or neighbors often.

Older Adults and Individuals with Chronic Medical Conditions

During peak heat hours stay in an air-conditioned area, whenever possible.
Older adults and those on certain medications may not exhibit signs of dehydration until several hours after dehydration sets in. Stay hydrated by frequently drinking cool water. If you’re on a special diet that limits liquids, check with your doctor for information on the amount of water to consume.
Stay out of the sun if you do not need to be in it. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, and loose-fitting, light-colored clothing with long sleeves and pants to protect against sun damage. And remember to use sun screen and to wear sunglasses.

Infants and Children

It is illegal to leave an infant or child unattended in a vehicle (California Vehicle Code Section 15620).
Infants and young children can get dehydrated very quickly. Make sure they are given plenty of cool water to drink.
Keep children indoors or shaded as much as possible.
Dress children in loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.

Hot Weather Fact Sheets

Keep cool and safe with these hot weather tips from the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department: