Extended heat advisory through Thursday; cooling centers open
Published on September 05, 2022
Menlo Park, Calif. — UPDATE: The National Weather Service has issued an extended heat advisory for San Francisco Bay Shoreline, including Menlo Park, through 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 8.
Although coastal and bayfront cities like Menlo Park don’t get as hot as inland areas, we’re not immune from the dangers of excessive heat. Following these tips can help you and your loved ones stay cool, safe and healthy:
- Don’t push yourself. Save any physical activity for the coolest part of the day, usually between 4-7 a.m.
- Drink more water than usual, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine; they make the heat's effects on your body worse.
- Call your physician if you feel you may be experiencing a heat-related illness.
- Keep pets cool and make sure they have water available.
- Stay indoors. If you don’t have air conditioning, keep blinds or curtains closed and use a fan.
- Never leave children or pets inside vehicles at any time, even with the windows cracked and even for just a few minutes; temperatures inside a vehicle can reach lethal levels no matter what the weather is like.
More tips are available at menlopark.org/heat.
Cooling centers
Menlo Park has air-conditioned facilities where you can escape the heat. This always includes both libraries and recreation center facilities during regular operating hours and during designated cooling center hours:
| Facility |
Designated cooling center hours |
|
Arrillaga Family Recreation Center
700 Alma St.
650-330-2200
|
Saturday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 4, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 5, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 6, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
|
|
Belle Haven Branch Library
413 Ivy Drive
650-330-2540
|
Saturday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 4, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 5, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 6, Noon–8 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 7, Noon–8 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
|
|
Menlo Park Library
800 Alma St.
650-330-2520
|
Saturday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 4, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 5, closed for holiday
Tuesday, Sept. 6, Noon–8 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 7, Noon–8 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
|
*Note: The Belle Haven Branch Library and the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center will both be open on Labor Day during this declared heat advisory.
Flex Alert extended again
The California Independent System Operator has issued additional statewide Flex Alerts, calling for voluntary electricity conservation for Monday, Sept. 5, from 4–10 p.m., and Tuesday, Sept. 6, from 4–9 p.m., due to increasing high heat, tightening energy supplies and more potential strain on the grid.
During a Flex Alert, Californians are strongly urged to lower electricity use by setting thermostats to 78 or higher, health permitting, avoid using major appliances, and turning off all unnecessary lights. Check out other ways to save energy.
To minimize discomfort and help with grid stability, consumers are encouraged to pre-cool their homes and use major appliances before 4 p.m., when solar energy is typically abundant.
Reducing energy use during a Flex Alert can help stabilize the power grid during tight supply conditions and prevent further emergency measures, including rotating power outages.
Saturday’s Flex Alert is the fourth consecutive call for conservation, as much of the state remains gripped in an extensive heat wave. Sign up to receive Flex Alert notifications.
Get the latest information
Check out the National Weather Service’s San Francisco Bay Area / Monterey, CA local forecast office for the latest weather alerts.
Download the Simplicity app for local news and updates, and follow the City of Menlo Park on Facebook, Twitter and Nextdoor.
Contact: Public Engagement Manager Clay Curtin
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