Beating the Heat: Options for Lake County Residents

Lake County Behavioral Health Services-Operated Peer Support Centers, Library Branches Offer Great Cooling Options

Lake County, CA (July 13, 2023) – The National Weather Service’s (NWS’) Eureka Office has issued an Excessive Heat Watch for much of Lake County, in effect this coming Friday morning, July 14, through Sunday evening, July 16.  Triple-Digit Temperatures are forecast in Lake County during the warmest portions of at least Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and many members of our communities will be seeking opportunities to escape the heat.  

Residents are encouraged to take precautionary measures.  The NWS recommends the following:

•    Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

•    Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. 

•    Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1.

In recognition of expected high temperatures, staff from the Lake County Library system and County-operated Peer Support Centers want to ensure members of the public know their facilities’ doors will be open Friday and portions of this weekend.  Many thanks, particularly, to the staff of The Big Oak Peer Support Center in Clearlake Oaks for opening their doors this Sunday, July 16, when temperatures could reach 105-110 degrees in portions of Lake County.

Shopping at local businesses and eating at local restaurants with air-conditioned facilities during the warmest hours of the day can also be great ways to support your communities while cooling off!

Friday-Sunday Excessive Heat Warning in Effect: What Facilities are Open?

Friday, 7/14

•    Clearlake: Redbud Library, Open 10am-5pm (14785 Burns Valley Rd, 707-994-5115); La Voz de la Esperanza Centro Latino, Open 8:30am-4:30pm (14092 Lakeshore Drive, 707-994-4261)

•    Clearlake Oaks: The Big Oak Peer Support Center, Open 8:30am-4:30pm (13300 East Highway 20, Suite O, 707-998-0310) 

•    Lakeport: Lakeport Library, Open 10am-5pm (1425 N. High Street, 707-263-8817); Circle of Native Minds Cultural Center, Open 8:30am-4:30pm  (525 North Main Street, 707-263-4880)

•    Middletown: Middletown Library, Open 10am-5pm (21256 Washington St, 707-987-3674)

•    Upper Lake: Upper Lake Library, Open 12pm-5pm (310 Second St, 707-275-2049)

Saturday, 7/15

•    Clearlake: Redbud Library, Open 10am-5pm (14785 Burns Valley Rd, 707-994-5115)

•    Clearlake Oaks: The Big Oak Peer Support Center, Open 9am-4:30pm (13300 East Highway 20, Suite O, 707-998-0310) 

•    Lakeport: Lakeport Library, Open 10am-5pm (1425 N. High Street, 707-263-8817)

•    Middletown: Middletown Library, Open 10am-5pm (21256 Washington St, 707-987-3674)

•    Upper Lake: Upper Lake Library, Open 10am-3pm (310 Second St, 707-275-2049)

Sunday, 7/16

•    Clearlake Oaks: The Big Oak Peer Support Center, Open 9am-4:30pm (13300 East Highway 20, Suite O, 707-998-0310)

Beating the Heat at Lake County’s Libraries and Peer Support Centers!

While none of these are formal cooling centers, and capacity is limited at each site, they are invaluable community resources, as temperatures rise.  Here is information on normal operating hours and services available at each facility.

County Library Facilities

Lake County’s four Public Library Branches are open and accessible to all during their normal business hours.  While you cool off, check out the many new materials and digital services the Library has to offer – there is something for everyone!  Here is a list of Lake County Library locations, and their customary hours of operation:

Lakeport Library

1425 N. High Street

Lakeport, CA 95453

(707) 263-8817

Tue 10-5 | Wed 10-7 | Thu-Sat 10-5

Redbud Library (Clearlake)

14785 Burns Valley Rd

Clearlake, CA 95422

(707) 994-5115

Tue 10-5 | Wed 10-7 | Thu-Sat 10-5

Middletown Library

21256 Washington Street

Middletown, CA 95461

(707) 987-3674

Tue-Fri 10-5 | Sat 10-5

Upper Lake Library

310 Second Street

Upper Lake, CA 95485

(707) 275-2049

Tue-Fri 12-5 | Sat 10-3

Please note, all County Library branches are closed each Monday (including 7/17).

Peer Support Centers

Lake County Behavioral Health Services also reminds their peer support centers are open as a refuge from the heat. Each provides an air-conditioned place to sit and rest. Water and light snacks are offered to guests, and restrooms are available.  Referrals to social services can also be made.  

ALL are welcome!

Below is a list of Peer Support Centers, with their customary hours and locations (Please note, only The Big Oak Peer Support Center will be open Saturday and Sunday, July 15 and 16):

(Peer Support Center Hours and Locations)

The Big Oak Peer Support Center

13300 East Highway 20, Suite O

Clearlake Oaks

(707) 998-0310

Sunday-Saturday: 8:30-4:30

OPEN Saturday, July 15, 9:00-4:30

OPEN Sunday, July 16, 8:30-4:30

Circle of Native Minds Cultural Center

525 North Main Street

Lakeport

(707) 263-4880

M-F: 8:30-4:30

CLOSED Saturdays and Sundays (including July 15 and 16)

The Harbor on Main

154 South Main Street

Lakeport

(707) 994-5486

M-F: 8:30-4:30

CLOSED Saturdays and Sundays (including July 15 and 16)

La Voz de la Esperanza Centro Latino

14092 Lakeshore Drive

Clearlake

(707) 994-4261

M-F: 8:30-4:30

CLOSED Saturdays and Sundays (including July 15 and 16)

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