With the state grid operator asking residents to conserve power and high temperatures on the way, San Antonio is opening its libraries as cooling centers this weekend.
The announcement comes as the Electric Reliability Council of Texas urged people to conserve power by setting thermostats at 78 degrees or higher and by avoiding using large appliances between 3 and 8 p.m. ERCOT asked for the conservation efforts on Friday when six power generators went offline in the midst of unseasonably hot weather and high energy demands. Last week, the agency said there could potentially be issues with the electric grid as temperatures across Texas were approaching near-record highs.
In San Antonio this weekend, National Weather Service is forecasting highs of 96 and 97 for today and Sunday, respectively. Other places in the region such as Del Rio and Eagle Pass could hit triple digit heat tomorrow.
People who need to get to a cooling center can get a free trip to and from the centers from VIA, the news release states.
The city said that people without access to air conditioning, adults 65 and older, children 4 and younger and people with medical conditions like heart disease are more likely to face challenges on hot days. In the news release, officials urge people to drink water, protect themselves from the sun and check on higher risk people to ensure they’re safe from the heat.
“Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are possible health effects,” the news release cautions. “Warning signs of heat stroke include red, hot, and moist or dry skin, no sweating, a strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse, nausea, confusion or acting strangely. If a child exhibits any of these signs, cool the child rapidly with cool water (not an ice bath) and call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.”
Pets and children should not be left alone in vehicles. If you see a child locked in a hot vehicle, you are urged to call 911 with a description of the car and its license plate. If an animal is found, call 311 for Animal Care Services. Police and Animal Care Officers are given the right by city ordinance to break car windows if a person or animal is in danger inside.
The library locations and hours listed on the Office of Emergency Management website are as follows:
Central Library
PHONE: 210-207-2500
SATURDAY: Open until 6 p.m.
SUNDAY: Closed
All of the following branches will be open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday:
PHONE: 210-207-9030
PHONE: 210-207-9180
PHONE: 210-207-9100
PHONE: 210-225-0331
PHONE: 210-207-9130
PHONE: 210-207-9250
PHONE: 210-207-9210
PHONE: 210-207-9070
PHONE: 210-207-9080
PHONE: 210-207-9240
PHONE: 210-207-9090
PHONE: 210-207-9200
PHONE: 210-207-9060
PHONE: 210-207-9170
PHONE: 210-207-2704
PHONE: 210-207-9150
PHONE: 210-207-2703
PHONE: 210-207-9050
PHONE: 210-207-9300
PHONE: 210-207-9110
PHONE: 210-207-9190
PHONE: 210-207-9040
Cooling centers also can be viewed on a map on the San Antonio Office of Emergency Management website.
megan.rodriguez@express-news.net