Heat Wave Safety
Make a plan for where to go during heat waves when higher-than-normal temperatures are expected—and check on friends, family, and neighbors in your network.
Very hot days are becoming more common in Berkeley, especially in summer and fall. Take steps now to protect yourself and others.
Use Berkeley's Emergency Map to get extreme weather updates and protective actions to take. Download the Genasys Protect app to get real-time alerts directly to your phone.
Sign up for AC Alert to receive emergency notifications by phone, text, or email. You can also view recent alerts online.
Visit an air-conditioned City facility when needed or learn how to keep your home cooler without A/C
Know the signs and get tips on treating heat-related illness from the California Department of Public Health
Check in regularly on vulnerable people in your network
city resources can help you stay cool
The City libraries and senior centers listed below have air conditioning if you need a safe, cool place to escape the heat. Visit their websites or call to verify their operating hours.
- Central Library
2090 Kittredge Street, Berkeley, CA 94704
Phone: (510) 981-6100 - Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch Library
1901 Russell Street, Berkeley, CA 94703
Phone: (510) 981-6260 - North Berkeley Senior Center
1901 Hearst Avenue , Berkeley, CA 94709
Phone: (510) 981-5190 - South Berkeley Senior Center
2939 Ellis Street, Berkeley, CA 94703
Phone: (510) 981-5170
Keep your home cooler without air conditioning
- Early in the morning, open your windows to let in cool air.
- During the day, close windows and block out sunlight to help keep your home cool.
- Watch this video from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation to learn more about how to keep your home cool without air conditioning.
Prevent heat-related illness
Seniors, young children, people with certain medical conditions, or disabilities, people who work outside, pregnant people, people experiencing homelessness, and people who live alone can be very vulnerable to heat.
Warning signs of heat-related illnesses vary, but look for:
- heavy sweating or paleness
- muscle weakness and cramps, especially in the legs, arms, and abdomen
- weakness, including tiredness or exhaustion
- skin problems such as sunburn, heat rash, and hives
- headache, dizziness, confusion
- dry mouth, nausea, or vomiting
Call for help or 9-1-1 if you see any of these symptoms in yourself or others.
Buddy up with friends, family, and neighbors
Keep yourself and your community safe during heat waves by checking in on people in your network. It’s a good idea to contact people living alone, elders, and people with medical conditions that make them more vulnerable to the heat.
Check in with adults at risk at least twice a day and monitor them for the warning signs of heat-related illnesses. Monitor infants and young children closely throughout the day.
