When the weather gets hot, the county usually directs seniors in need to air-conditioned “cooling centers” such as libraries and shopping centers. However, in the age of COVID, that’s not always an option. Managing editor Tami Roleff offers some alternatives…
When the weather gets hot, the county usually directs seniors who need to cool down to air-conditioned “cooling centers” such as libraries, community centers, theaters, and shopping centers. However, under the county’s health order, those places are either closed or have restrictions about number of patrons and length of time they can remain inside. In addition, county libraries are not open on Sundays, which leaves some residents without options during excessive heat warnings like the Morongo Basin is experiencing. Seniors without air conditioning at home who need to cool down should call the County’s Adult Protective Services Hotline 24-hour toll-free at 877-565-2020. County staff will bring fans to their homes or even put them up in air-conditioned hotel rooms. If you know a senior who might need help, please check on them. If you think the County can help, call the hotline at 877-565-2020.
