The Heat is On in the High Desert; Here are Some Ways to Beat it

Beating the heat is a necessity as the temperatures are rising quickly with the approaching summer season. The first day of summer is officially Tuesday, June 20, 2017, but residents of the Inland Empire, especially the desert areas are already experiencing temperatures in the upper 90’s.

Most households have some sort of cooling, including central air conditioning, a wall unit air conditioner, or swap cooler in their home, some do not, and some simply can not afford additional cooling costs. The high temperatures can be dangerous for those who are elderly, those who suffer from illness, and for children. All people and animals should be able to consume as much water as their body demands. Remember, you should never wait until you feel thirsty. All humans and animals should drink throughout the day. Water is best, soft drinks and other high sugar or caffeine drinks can cause further dehydration.

Heat exhaustion is fairly common and some do not recognize the symptoms until they are nearing a very dangerous heat stroke. Heat exhaustion symptoms can be heavy sweating and a rapid pulse. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should rest in a cool place, preferably an air-conditioned building. Cool water also will help to reduce body temperature. Humans are not the only ones who can need additional accommodations in the heat, pets are also vulnerable to the high temperature.

Keep your pets indoors during the hot weather if possible, at least from the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If they must stay outdoors, provide a “kiddie pool” filled with water for them to cool down in. Also, provide shaded areas and wet down the ground to keep the outdoor environment. Keep large water dishes filled with fresh water throughout the outdoor area. The ground may be very hot, if you would not go out barefoot, you probably should not allow your dog or cat too, pet paws can burn just like feet do.

Southern California Edison (SCE) also has programs to help those with lower incomes including the Energy Savings Assistance Program, which helps homeowners or renters by providing them with energy-saving appliances or repairs helping residents to save on their monthly bills. This program assists residents with items like refrigerators, air conditioners, swamp coolers, and more. SCE also offers tips to make your home more efficient. 

For those who are in need of a cool place to go in your area you can go to a cooling center to relax all while avoiding the heat. Listed are some cooling centers in the Victor Valley and surrounding areas. Other cooling center information can be found here.

Victorville Senior Citizens Club
14874 Mojave Dr
Victorville, CA. 92395
Phone: (760) 245-5018
Hours: Mon-Sat: 9am-4pm

Victorville City Library
15011 Circle Drive
Victorville, CA. 92395
Phone: (760) 245 4222
Hours: Mon-Thur: 9am-8pm; Fri: 9am-6pm; Saturday: 9am-5pm

Newton T. Bass Branch Library
14901 Dale Evans Pkwy
Apple Valley, CA. 92307
Phone: (760) 240-7559
Hours: Mon-Wed: 11am-7pm; Thurs: 10am-6pm; Sat: 9am-5pm

Hesperia Branch Library
9650 7th Ave.
Hesperia, CA. 92345
Phone: (760) 244-5427
Hours: Mon-Friday: 10am-8pm; Sat: 9am-5pm

Phelan Memorial Library

9898 Clovis Rd.
Phelan, CA. 92371
Phone: (760) 868-3053
Hours: Mon-Tues: 12pm-8pm; Wed-Fri: 10am-6pm; Sat: 9am-5pm

Crestline Branch Library
24105 Lake Gregory Dr.
Lake Gregory, CA. 92325
Phone: (909) 338-3294
Hours: Mon/Thurs: 11am-8pm; Tues: 10am-6pm; Wed: 11am-6pm; Sat: 10am-2pm

Lake Arrowhead Branch Library
27235 Highway 189
Lake Arrowhead, CA. 92352
Phone: (909) 337-3118
Hours: Mon-Tue: 12pm-8pm; Wed-Thur: 10am-6pm; Sat: 9am-5pm

Lucerne Valley Senior Club
10431 Allen Way
Lucerne Valley, CA. 92356
Phone: (760) 248 2248
Hours: Mon-Sat: 9am-1pm

Janice Horst Branch Library
33103 Old Woman Springs Rd.
Lucerne Valley, CA. 92356
Phone: (760) 248-7521
Hours: Mon-Fri: 11am-7pm; Sat: 9am-5pm

Wrightwood Branch Library
6011 Pine St.
Wrightwood, CA. 92397
Phone: (760) 249 4577
Hours: Mon/Wed: 12pm-7pm; Tues/Thur/Fri: 10am-6pm; Sat: 10 pm-2pm

Barstow Branch Library
304 E. Buena Vista
Barstow, CA. 92311
Phone: (760) 256-4850
Hours: Mon-Wed: 11am-7pm; Thurs: 10am-6pm; Sat: 9am-5pm

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