September 23, 2019





Heat Advisory Issued, City-operated Cooling Center to Open Tuesday and Wednesday

Red Flag Warning and Potential PG&E Planned Power Shutoff, Additional Firefighters on Duty

SANTA ROSA, CA – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Heat Advisory for the North Bay for Tuesday, September 24 and Wednesday, September 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day. The hottest temperatures are forecasted Tuesday with Santa Rosa expected to peak at 103 degrees.

The NWS considers this a moderate heat risk event for the area. Although the current forecasted conditions would not typically require the activation of a cooling center, the City of Santa Rosa will open one given the risks associated with a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff. The City of Santa Rosa will open a cooling center from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Finley Community Center located at 2060 West College Avenue on Tuesday, September 24 and Wednesday, September 25.

Residents planning to visit the City’s cooling center should plan for their visit. Books, games, and laptops are allowed at the cooling centers. For the experience of all residents, please use headphones for listening. Free WiFi is available, but no broadcast television, and your ability to charge devices may be limited. Food will not be provided, and kitchen access will not be available during this time. Residents may bring food that is ready to eat. Due to space limitations, please limit your personal items to one small tote and daypack per person. Only service animals will be permitted inside of the cooling center. Please note that the City of Santa Rosa is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

The NWS has issued a Red Flag Warning for the upper elevation of Sonoma County from 9:00 p.m. tonight (9/23) to 5:00 a.m. Wednesday (9/25). Gusty north to northeast winds up to 40 mph are forecasted with low humidity levels.

The Santa Rosa Fire Department, in partnership with agencies across Sonoma County has increased firefighters and fire-fighting equipment for the duration of the critical fire weather (Red Flag Warning) due to the high-fire risk.

Residents should be mindful of the heat and follow these safety tips:

Never leave children, seniors or pets in a parked car during periods of intense summer heat.

Drink fluids, particularly water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool.

If possible, stay out of the sun and in air-conditioned areas.

Mow fields in the mornings before 10AM, but never when it’s windy or excessively dry. Lawn mowers are designed to mow lawns, not weeds or dry grass. Metal blades striking rocks can create sparks and start fires.

In addition to the designated cooling center at Finley Community Center, Recreation & Parks operates several air-conditioned lobbies that are open to the public if citizens need a place to stay cool during the day, including:

Finley Recreation Complex - 2060 West College Avenue – 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., M-F

Steele Lane Community Center - 415 Steele Lane - 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., M-F

Person Senior Wing – 2060 West College Ave – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., M-F

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