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Merced, Livingston offer extra cooling centers Saturday

Sun-Star Staff
Ernie Thornton, 18, of Merced waters the lawn outside his home on R Street in Merced on Tuesday, May 31, 2016. The National Weather Service forecasts a high of about 105 on Saturday.
Ernie Thornton, 18, of Merced waters the lawn outside his home on R Street in Merced on Tuesday, May 31, 2016. The National Weather Service forecasts a high of about 105 on Saturday. Andrew Kuhn akuhn@mercedsunstar.com

With a forecast high of about 105 degrees on Saturday, Merced County cities added extra cooling centers to accompany local library branches.

For those who need a cool place to rest, the city of Livingston offers an extra cooling center from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Police Department, 1446 C St. An extra cooling center in Merced will be open from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday at City Hall, 678 W. 18th St.

Those two centers are open only on Saturday and are in addition to the regular hours at Merced County Library locations around the county.

County officials are recommending residents drink plenty of fluids; dress in lightweight, loose-fitting clothes; and keep physical activities to a minimum during the hottest parts of the day.

Because of the heat, county officials said, The Bus will provide free rides on existing fixed-route buses to the nearest centers Saturday. The public can also take the bus back along the route to get home as service is available.

Officials recommend checking the fixed route schedules for exact times of availability. Transfers may be required. Those with a disability that prevents use of the fixed route bus can call 209-384-3111.

County officials also recommend that residents never leave children, pets or the elderly unattended in a parked vehicle. Common symptoms of heat-related conditions include profuse sweating; weakness; dizziness; headache; dimmed or blurred vision; cold, damp skin; exhaustion; nausea; and hot, dry skin.

Merced County Library locations serving as places to stay cool during regular hours are:

  • Atwater, 1600 Third St., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Delhi, 16881 W. Schendel Ave., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Dos Palos, 2001 Almond St., 10 a.m.to 3 p.m.
  • Gustine, 205 Sixth St., noon to 5 p.m.
  • Hilmar, 2001 W. Falke St., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Le Grand, 14949 Le Grand Road, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Livingston, 1212 Main St., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Los Banos, 1312 Seventh St., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Merced, 2100 O St., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Santa Nella, 29188 W. Centinella Ave., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Snelling, 15916 N. Highway 59, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Winton, 7057 Walnut Ave., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This story was originally published June 3, 2016 at 11:30 AM with the headline "Merced, Livingston offer extra cooling centers Saturday."

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