Cool places to go to get out of the heat in the High Desert

Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press
Updated ·4 min read

A heat wave has begun and is expected to continue through mid-next week, with the hottest days Saturday through Monday in the Victor Valley.

With high temperatures expected to range from 100 to 114 in the High Desert, San Bernardino County officials are offering several locations as a “Cool Place to Go” to get out of the heat.

Cool Places to Go

  • Adelanto Branch Library, 11497 Bartlett Avenue. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. A public water fountain is available. Visitors must adhere to the posted code of conduct. For more information, call 760-246-5661.

  • Apple Valley Newton T. Bass Branch Library, 14901 Dale Evans Parkway. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call 760-995-8750.

  • Barstow Branch Library, 304 East Buena Vista. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call 760-256-4850.

  • Hesperia Branch Library, 9650 Seventh Avenue. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 760-552-6050.

  • Lucerne Valley Janice Horst Branch Library, 33103 Old Woman Springs Road. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

  • Newberry Springs Association, 33383 Newberry Road. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. Water will be available. For more information, call 760-257-3284.

  • Phelan Memorial Library, 9800 Clovis Road. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call 760-868-3053.

  • Trona Branch Library, 82805 Mountain View. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call 760-372-5847.

  • Victorville Library, 15011 Circle Drive. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

For a list of Cool Places to Go in the county, visit inlandsocaluw.org/cool-places-to-go-2023.

The Hesperia Branch Library is one of several San Bernardino County libraries designated as a “Cool Place to Go” to get out of the heat.
The Hesperia Branch Library is one of several San Bernardino County libraries designated as a “Cool Place to Go” to get out of the heat.

Additionally, free fans are available for eligible seniors throughout the county. To see if you qualify, call the Senior Information and Assistance hotline at 800-510-2020.

The Victor Valley Community Services Council can also provide fans and in some instances portable cooling units for eligible seniors. For more information, call 760-243-9646 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday.

Safety tips

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is offering steps to keep residents and their pets comfortable and safe during a heat event.

  • Avoid strenuous activity and direct exposure to the sun during the hottest parts of the day, specifically from 12 to 6 p.m.

  • Stay hydrated and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water.

  • Protect your skin using sunscreen with SPF 30 or above.

  • Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.

  • Ensure your pets have plenty of cool, fresh water.

  • Never leave children or pets in the car. Even when temperatures outside are mild, the temperature inside the car can reach 100 degrees in less than 10 minutes.

  • If you do not have access to air conditioning, find a public cooling center near you.

Heat-related illness

State health officials said extreme heat poses a substantial health risk, especially for vulnerable populations.

It’s important to understand the warning signs of heat-related illness. Symptoms include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache and nausea.

Vomiting, paleness, tiredness and dizziness can also be indicators of heat-related illness.

To help prevent heat-related illness, use cool compresses, misting, showers and baths. Get medical attention if you experience a rapid, strong pulse, feel delirious, or have a body temperature above 102 degrees.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Cool places to go to get out of the heat in the High Desert