With excessive heat warnings in effect this weekend, seniors, infants, young children, and people with chronic health conditions who are most vulnerable to health problems during hot weather should take extra precautions. Residents should check on their elderly family members, neighbors, and friends during extremely hot weather to make sure they are safe. Drink plenty of fluids, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, and pace themselves when outside. Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Residents can also take advantage of cooling centers throughout the Morongo Basin. The Town of Yucca Valley offers residents the opportunity to cool down at Town offices, Monday through Thursday during regular business hours, and at the Hi-Desert Nature Museum, Thursday thru Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In Twentynine Palms, the designated cooling center is the Senior Center, at 6539 Adobe Road, across from the Fire Station. The center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Should the heat index reach 115 degrees, the Senior Center will be open hours and on weekends to serve as an emergency cooling center. In Joshua Tree, the cooling station at Hi-Desert Medical Center is in the cafeteria of the main hospital, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you or someone you know is feeling ill from the heat, remove them from the heat immediately, offer water, and seek medical help or call 911.
