Staying cool around Redlands (2024)

Summer has arrived, anchoring the city in a stifling heat wave.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts temperatures in the first week of July to be in the mid-to-high 90s, with some days soaring above 100 degrees.

This intense heat has led to the NWS issuing air quality alerts across much of the Inland Empire through Wednesday, June 26, urging residents with respiratory health issues to take necessary precautions.

The city of Redlands, the county and a few nonprofits offer opportunities for locals to stay cool and safe during the unrelenting summer heat.

Southern California Edison (SCE), the electric utility company, also offers programs and tips on reducing energy usage and saving money on monthly bills.

Cool down at cooling centers

The Redlands community centers Joslyn Senior Center, Eddie and Gloria Flores Senior Center and the Joe R. Gonzalez Community Center will serve as cooling centers during scheduled hours, offering more than just cool havens: they will also host games, crafts and classes. All activities are free.

Cooling center locations

Joslyn Senior Center, 21 Grant St. Hours of operation: Tuesday–Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Eddie and Gloria Flores Senior Center, 111 W. Lugonia Ave. Hours of operation: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Joe R. Gonzalez Community Center, 111 W. Lugonia Ave. Hours of operation: Monday 2–9 p.m., Tuesday 1–9 p.m., Wednesday 2–9 p.m., Thursday 2–9 p.m., Friday 2-7:30 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

San Bernardino County also offers cooling stations throughout the region.

For a list of locations or further assistance, call the toll-free hotline 211 or visit inlandsocaluw.org.

Heat stroke is considered a medical emergency. Call 911 for help.

Take a dip at the Y

Swimming is one of the best ways to beat the heat.

The YMCA of the East Valley at 500 East Citrus Ave. is partnering with the city’s Facilities & Recreation Department for three free community swim nights on July 13, Aug. 10 and Sep. 14 between 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

An adult must accompany minors. Registration is required, and spots are limited. Sign up at ymcaeastvalley.org.

Enjoy a good read at a library

A.K. Smiley Public Library will not only offer its visitors a chance to escape the heat but also offer a jam-packed schedule of events and activities for the young and old alike.

Smiley is hosting a summer reading program for youth and teens.

Readers who complete a physical reading log will earn raffle tickets to win prizes, including tablets, JBL earbuds and gift cards. Participants ages 4 to 19 are eligible.

Additionally, Smiley’s reading program will have several entertainment shows and learning enrichment activities Monday through Friday.

To register for the summer reading program or to view a list of scheduled events, visit www.akspl.org/yrr/ or stop by in person.

The Lincoln Memorial Shine, a museum dedicated to President Abraham Lincoln’s life and work and the Civil War, is open Tuesday through Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. The museum also has air conditioning.

Libraries in surrounding cities can also be additional shelters from the heat. The Loma Linda Branch Library at 25581 Barton Road, Loma Linda, is open Mon. to Wed. from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Another option is the Mentone Senior Center and Library at 1331 Opal Ave, Mentone. They are open Mon. to Wed. from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Save money and reduce energy consumption while staying cool

Blasting an air conditioning system during the peak hours of the day may seem like the only alternative to staying fresh, trading comfort for a pricier energy bill.

However, SCE Senior Advisor for Corporate Communications Jeff Monford says that residents have more control over their energy cost and usage than they might think. Monford says electricity costs more to deliver between 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“We don’t expect people to go without AC, but the rates are so much lower before 4 p.m. that you can even pre-cool your house,” Monford said.

Monford also offers tips such as:

• Use energy-intensive appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines and dryers or charging electric vehicles before or after 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

• Pre-cool your home earlier in the day so you can set your air conditioner to 78 degrees or higher between 4 and 9 p.m.

• Turn ceiling fans off when you’re not in the room. Fans are for cooling people and pets, not lowering the room temperature.

• Set your pool pump to stop running before 4 p.m.

• Remember to close the curtains and blinds to block out direct sunlight during hot periods.

• Use the microwave instead of a gas stove to avoid heating the kitchen.

SEC offers residents the opportunity to save money and reduce energy costs through its “Demand Response Programs.”

One of these programs involves customers getting a free smart thermostat and monthly bill credit in exchange for allowing their AC to be automatically adjusted during peak periods. Participating customers receive a credit on their SEC bill.

Monford says that despite increasing energy usage during the peak summer months, “the grid can handle delivering the power people need. We are not worried about the grid getting too hot.”

He explains that the Folsom-based nonprofit California Independent System Operator (CAISO) oversees the state’s energy grid management.

Utility companies like SEC, Pacific Gas & Electric Company or San Deigo Gas & Electric buy power in a commodity marketplace operated by CAISO and pass the cost to customers without markup. They only profit from the work they do on the grid itself.

“SCE is a wires company, not a generation company. We generate only 20% of the power that we deliver to customers. Eighty percent comes from a commodity marketplace,” Manford said.

According to Monford, the grid can handle power needs as long as supply is not constrained. Demand is reduced through response programs and customer conservation when supply is near the limit.

Since 2020, record-hot weather has not caused outages due to the state’s investment in energy battery storage units and demand reduction efforts.

Monford says the biggest factor in reducing strain on the electrical grid “is the batteries, demand response programs and customer conservation.”