With temperatures reaching the high 90s and in some cases peaking in the low 100s over the last week and summer just beginning, the City of Riverbank is offering residents a few different places to get out of the heat. These specially designated sites are known as Cooling Zones. A ‘Cooling Zone’ is a location to get out of the heat for a period of time to let your body cool down. City officials said residents should note these are not cooling centers or cooling shelters designed for the long term, but can be utilized as a brief respite from the heat.

Cooling Zones include:

Riverbank City Council Chambers, 6707 Third St.; call 209-863-7122.

Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and alternating Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Riverbank Library, 3442 Santa Fe, call 209-869-7008.

Hours are Monday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.

Riverbank Community Pool (entry costs $2), corner of Seventh and Stanislaus streets; call 209-863-7150.

Monday through Thursday 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Saturday noon to 4 p.m.

Senior Meals and Activities at Riverbank Community Center, 3600 Santa Fe; call 209-863-7150.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Riverbank Teen Center (ages 11-18), 3600 Santa Fe #A; call 209-869-7026.

(June- August) Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m.

Summertime means hot Central Valley weather, but the heat can turn dangerous when it reaches 100 degrees during the day and stays above 80 degrees at night. This is known as “extreme heat.”

The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency offers these safety tips when it is hot: stay indoors and out of the sun during the day; fans alone won’t protect you from extreme heat so use your air conditioner and keep it well maintained; drink plenty of water and eat light meals; avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks; be aware of the effects of your prescription medication that can affect your heat tolerance; wear light colored and loose-fitting clothing and a hat with a wide brim when outside; and take frequent cool showers or baths.

During times of extreme heat, help others stay safe too by checking on neighbors, especially elderly people who live alone, and bring pets indoors where the air conditioner is on. Get immediate medical help for anyone with these heat-related symptoms, profuse sweating and muscle cramping, body temperature of 105 degrees, with hot and dry skin, confusion or unconsciousness.