In response to the ongoing heatwave, the city of Lancaster’s downtown Cooling Center, located at the Lancaster Museum of Art and History (MOAH) 665 W. Lancaster Blvd., will be open through tomorrow. City officials encourage residents to always take proper precautions in order to remain healthy during intense heat events.
The Cooling Center is located on the first floor of MOAH’s Hernando and Fran Marroquin room and is open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The Cooling Center features a variety of board games and amusements for visitors to enjoy.
Another air conditioned option open to the public is the Lancaster Public Library, 601 W. Lancaster Blvd. The library is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Additionally, the Antelope Valley Senior Center, 777 W. Jackman St., is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and welcomes residents of all ages during intense heatwaves.
Residents may also beat the heat at the General William J. Fox Airfield Cooling Center, 4555 W. Avenue G, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
While the elderly and small children are most susceptible to heat, it is important for everyone to protect themselves from the sun and heat. With temperatures often in the triple digits, Antelope Valley residents are urged to put into practice these helpful recommendations:
• Avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
• Stay in air conditioned locations during peak heat hours.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid alcohol, sweetened drinks, and caffeine.
• If no air conditioning is available, take a cool shower twice a day and visit a public air conditioned facility (do not rely on fans and open windows as the primary method of staying cool).
• Check on your elderly neighbors, as well as family and friends who may not have air conditioning.
• Never leave a child or infant unattended in a vehicle. This is not only very dangerous; it is also illegal.
• Make sure to provide children and infants with plenty to drink, as they can become dehydrated very quickly.
• Outdoor workers and athletes are encouraged to take frequent rests.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and light-colored lightweight, loose-fitting clothes when outdoors.
• Reduce your physical activity.
• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15.
• Don’t forget about your pets; they need plenty of water and shade.
• And, never leave a pet in a parked vehicle – even with the windows down.
More information about recognizing and preventing heat-related illnesses can be found at www.ready.gov/heat.
