Cooling Centers to Stay Open Saturday and Sunday
August 14, 2020 - San Antonio
Too darn hot. The City of San Antonio are keeping nine cooling centers open this Saturday and Sunday. Photo: Jade Esteban Estrada.
By Jade Esteban Estrada - Staff Writer, San Antonio Sentinel
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- Temperatures will be above 100 degrees into the weekend
- 9 City of San Antonio cooling centers will be open on Saturday and Sunday
With temperatures above 100 degrees into the weekend, the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District is reminding the community that nine City cooling centers will be open on Saturday and Sunday.
The City of San Antonio cooling centers will provide residents with a respite from the high temperatures expected this weekend. These cooling centers will observe Covid-19 precautions, which include face coverings, screening, sanitation and social distancing guidelines.
Adults over 65, children under 4, and people with existing medical conditions such as heart disease and those without access to air conditioning are the highest risk on days with high temperatures.
Drinking plenty of water and protecting oneself from the sun are critical precautions. Additionally, City officials encourage residents to call and check on their neighbors who may be at high risk and ensure their access to heat relief and hydration.
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Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are possible health threats during time when the temperatures are at this level. Some of the warning signs of a heat stroke include red, hot, and moist or dry skin, no sweating at all, a strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse, nausea, confusion or sudden strange behavior. If a child exhibits any of these signs, cool the child rapidly with cool water (not an ice bath) and call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
When in doubt, health officials recommend erring on the side of safety. Never leave children or pets alone in vehicles, a City spokesperson said in a statement. If one sees a child or pet locked in a hot car or in the back of a truck, they should take action immediately by writing down the car’s description (including the license plate number) and calling the police department at 210-207-SAPD. If regarding a pet, Animal Care Services can be reached at 311. As per city ordinance, both police and animal care officers have the right to break a car’s window if a child or animal is endangered inside a vehicle.
For more information on cooling centers, residents may call 311 or visit Metro Health or the San Antonio Office of Emergency Management websites. Residents can also visit the National Weather Service website for current hourly weather.
City of San Antonio Cooling Centers
August 15-16, 2020
Bazan Library
2200 West Commerce Street
210-207-9160
Saturday/Sunday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Carver Library
3350 East Commerce Street
210-207-9180
Saturday/Sunday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Collins Garden Library
200 Park Blvd North
210-207-9120
Saturday/Sunday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cortez Library
2803 Hunter Boulevard
210-207-9130
Saturday/Sunday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Johnston Library
63 Sun Valley Drive
210-207-9240
Saturday/Sunday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mission Library
3134 Roosevelt
210-207-2704
Saturday/Sunday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pan American Library
1122 West Pyron
210-207-9150
Saturday/Sunday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Schaefer Library
6322 US Highway 87 East
210-207-9300
Saturday/Sunday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Westfall Library
6111 Rosedale
210-207-9220
Saturday/Sunday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer at the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. He can be reached at jade@sasentinel.com.