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. Ernest Figueroa offers some alternatives to traditional cooling centers…
When the weather gets hot, the county usually directs seniors in need 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.
The Twentynine Palms Senior Center will be open as a cooling center today and tomorrow from noon until 5 p.m. If the heat index stays at 115 degrees or other conditions necessitate, the center will stay open for extended hours. Face masks must be worn and social distancing standards will be enforced.
