Cooling center opens during heat wave

A cooling center has opened inside the community center in the city of Shasta Lake due to a lack of public air-conditioned places.

The Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency made the announcement Wednesday afternoon when the temperature was forecast to reach a high of 107.

“Forecasters anticipate the excessive heat to continue, with high overnight low temperatures,” the agency said.

The cooling center is at 4499 Main St. in Shasta Lake with hours of noon to 6 p.m. through Friday.

“Those who do not have access to air conditioning at home are encouraged to find relief at a cooling center,” the agency said.

Officials said the Redding Public Library is a public place with air conditioning, although it’s not an official cooling center.

“Cooling centers differ from public air-conditioned places, such as malls or libraries in that they are dedicated sites for respite from extreme heat during specific times of day,” the agency said.

The community center’s cooling center has precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Disposable masks are available there for staff and the public along with hand sanitizer. Temperature and symptoms checks also will be performed.

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Go to www.shastahhsa.net and click “Information on Staying Safe in Hot Temperatures” at the top of the page for more information on heat-related safety.