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During hot summer days residents and visitors can stay cool by visiting local libraries and parks in San Benito County.
Though the recent heat wave seems to have passed, Kris Mangano of the county’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) said staying hydrated and finding a cool place to stay is important on warm days.
It is important to recognize that extreme heat can be very dangerous. The Ventura County Community Foundation recently released the following safety information. VCCF said those most at risk include:
- Young children
- Older adults
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic health conditions
- People with disabilities
- People working without A/C
- People experiencing homelessness
Extreme heat kills more people directly than any other climate-related hazard. Be aware of how long you have been exposed to the heat. The VCCF said that in 60 minutes or less, a healthy person can be in trouble, even when they are physically healthy.
The county will open cooling centers if the OES receives heat-related calls or if the forecast shows consecutive days over 100 degrees.
“Fortunately, we don’t see many days over 100,” Mangano said. It’s not unusual but we try to make arrangements.”
When cooling centers are needed, the office shares the locations where the public can take advantage of air conditioning via its social media channels such as Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter), Mangano said.
Staying cool in Hollister
Apart from the county’s cooling centers, the city of Hollister offers two parks with water features: McCarthy Park and Valley View Park.
McCarthy Park, located at 230 McCarthy Street, features a 90-gallon water tower and an interactive splash pad. They’re open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Located at Driftwood Court and Valley View Road in Hollister, Valley View Park has a water playground, affectionately named “Wally the Whale.”
Hollister High School’s Baler Aquatic Center allows public access to its pool in July. Contracting with San Benito Aquatics, a nonprofit swim club, various swimming programs are offered at the pool including swimming lessons.
The Baler pool is open to the public July 28 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m, and July 30-31 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The pool will be open in August on the following dates: Aug. 7, 8, 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Entry fee for each swimmer is $5.
High School district Maintenance, Operations, Transportation and Facilities Manager Kristy Bettencourt said Aug. 10 will be a free swim day, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“Bring your floaties,” she said.
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