By Riverside County
Contributed

As temperatures begin to climb, cool centers in locations throughout Riverside County have begun opening their doors, offering residents a welcome retreat from the heat.
Currently, 39 cool centers are open to the public in partnership with local organizations such as libraries and community centers, with the plan to expand to 60 by mid-season. The centers are available to residents at no cost and will be open through October as temperatures warrant.
Idyllwild Library serves as a cool center during its regular operating hours only when a sign is placed out in front announcing it is serving as a cool center that day.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, safety guidelines will ask all visitors and staff at the cooling centers to wear face coverings and practice social distancing.
High temperatures can be hazardous for many people, especially for the elderly and those with medical conditions. Heat-related injuries such as heatstroke, an illness that occurs when the body can no longer regulate its temperature, can strike fast and pose life-threatening consequences.
The cool centers are coordinated by the Community Action Partnership of Riverside County, in conjunction with Riverside University Health System – Public Health. Light refreshments and water will be available at some locations. For a list of cool center locations, visit www.capriverside.org.