Temperatures are rising, and much of the Bay Area is under an excessive heat warning through Labor Day weekend. To help the community stay cool during heat waves, the Concord Senior Center (2727 Parkside Cir.) is designated as a Cooling Center when temperatures reach over 100 degrees.

The Senior Center will be open during regular business hours, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and welcomes everyone to cool off in the lobby during these times. Staff will monitor temperatures and may stay open until 7:00 p.m. if temperatures remain over 100 degrees. 

The City will also open the Concord Senior Center as a Cooling Center Saturday-Monday, Sept. 3-5, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., when temperatures are projected to be at the highest.  

With the Concord Library closed for renovations, the Senior Center will provide this valuable service to the community. Parks and Recreation staff members will supervise the facility. Visitors are encouraged to bring something quiet to do, like read or use earphones for their electronic devices, and bring their own snacks and drinks.  

Other locations to cool off include shopping malls, libraries, theaters, and restaurants. Older adults and people with certain medical conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and taking certain medications, are more vulnerable to heat illness. Everyone is encouraged to stay indoors and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.  

For more information on finding a cooling center in the County and how to take safety precautions, visit cchealth.org/heat or call 1-800-510-2020 or 925-229-8434.