Excessive heat

Image shows excessive heat warning. It has supplies such as water, fans, hats and first aid.

Extreme heat can cause serious illness. Stay cool, drink water and check on family, friends and neighbors, especially people who live alone or need help reaching an air-conditioned place.

Heat emergency? Call 911

Confusion, loss of consciousness or very high body temperature may be signs of heat stroke. Call 911 immediately.

Move the person to a cooler place and begin cooling them with cool, wet cloths. Do not give them anything to drink. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions.

Current updates and cooling information

Air-conditioned public facilities can offer relief during their regular hours. During a heat emergency, the City may announce cooling centers with different hours or services.

Confirm availability before traveling. Regular facility hours do not indicate that a cooling center is currently activated or that overnight shelter is available.

Local air-conditioned facilities

Published addresses, phone numbers and regular hours checked . Holiday closures and temporary changes may apply.

Belle Haven Community Campus

100 Terminal Ave., Menlo Park

Main reception: 650-330-2205
Belle Haven Library: 650-330-2540

Regular campus hours:

  • Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
  • Saturday: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (library only)

Library and program hours differ from general campus hours. Confirm which spaces are available before visiting.

Menlo Park Library

800 Alma St., Menlo Park

Phone: 650-330-2520

Regular library hours:

  • Monday–Wednesday: noon–8 p.m.
  • Thursday–Sunday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
  • Closed on library holidays.

Confirm the facility is open and ask about accessibility or other support you need. Arrange transportation early. Do not wait until you feel ill to seek a cooler place.

Heat stroke: call 911 immediately

Warning signs include confusion, passing out and very high body temperature. Skin may be hot and either dry or damp.

  1. Call 911.
  2. Move the person to a cooler place.
  3. Begin cooling them with cool, wet cloths while waiting for help.
  4. Do not give them anything to drink. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions.

Heat exhaustion: cool down and get help if needed

Symptoms may include heavy sweating, headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea or cool, clammy skin.

  • Move to a cool place and loosen clothing.
  • Use cool, wet cloths to help lower body temperature.
  • Sip water if fully alert and able to swallow.
  • Get medical help right away for vomiting, worsening symptoms or symptoms lasting longer than one hour.

If confusion or loss of consciousness develops, call 911 immediately.

Download the CDC guide to heat illness symptoms and first aid (PDF). Key actions are also provided in the text above.

Before hot weather: make a plan

  • Choose an air-conditioned place you can reach if your home becomes too hot. Confirm its hours and arrange transportation.
  • Ask a trusted person to check on you and offer to check on neighbors.
  • Keep drinking water available and charge your phone.
  • Ask your healthcare provider how heat may affect your health, medications or fluid needs. Do not change medications on your own.
  • Plan for refrigerated medicines and medical equipment during a power outage.

Prepare for power outages.

During hot weather: stay cool and hydrated

  • Spend time in air conditioning. Go to a cooler location if your home becomes too hot.
  • Do not rely on a fan alone during extreme indoor heat. At temperatures above 90°F, a fan can increase body temperature.
  • Drink water regularly. If your healthcare provider limits your fluids, ask how much to drink during hot weather.
  • Schedule outdoor activities for cooler hours, take breaks in the shade and reduce strenuous activity.
  • Wear lightweight clothing and use sun protection.
  • Never leave children, dependent adults or pets unattended in a parked vehicle.

Read CDC guidance on heat and your health.

Help your household and neighbors

Heat can affect anyone. Children, older adults, people with chronic health conditions and people working outdoors may need additional precautions.

  • Check in with people who live alone or have limited access to air conditioning.
  • Ask what help would be useful, such as a ride, a phone call or assistance checking facility hours.
  • Watch children for signs of overheating and provide frequent cooling breaks.
  • Ask a pediatric healthcare provider about infant feeding and hydration during hot weather.
  • Make sure pets have water and a cool place to rest.

Share personal or medical information only with the person’s permission and only with people who need it to help.

Make a check-in plan with your neighbors.

Archived heat advisories

Historical information — not current availability. Locations and hours in past announcements applied to those events. Use the current-update links and facility contacts above to plan your visit.

Together, we are MenloPrepared.

Back to top