With Wednesday temperatures expected to hover in the upper 90s and low 100s around the North Bay, the Petaluma Fire Department has a cooling center in place so those at risk of heat exhaustion or related problems have a place to go and get out of the heat.
The Petaluma Community Center at 320 North McDowell Blvd. is open to all comers until 8 p.m. both Wednesday and the following day, though significant cooling is expected Thursday, Battalion Chief Mike Ahlin said.
"If we start having prolonged temperatures over 90, our at-risk population can start to have problems," Ahlin said.
The National Weather Service has issued heat and hazardous weather advisories throughout the Bay Area because of anticipated high temperatures for Wednesday.
Though they are expected to dip several degrees from Tuesday's record-breaking highs, the forecast still calls for hot weather that could be especially dangerous for the elderly, very young and infirm, weather officials said.
The Petaluma cooling center near Lucchesi Park and Petaluma Valley Hospital provides air conditioning and ice water to help beat the heat, Ahlin said.
It's been open as a cooling center since Monday, and each day has drawn a couple of people seeking relief from high summer temperatures, he said.
Visitors may bring prepared food, but there is no food available and there are no food preparation facilities on the premises, Ahlin said.
Small, leashed pets other than reptiles are permitted, though they will not be allowed to roam freely. Animal control personnel will provide on-site shelter.
Assistance dogs are allowed.
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