Welcome! 

Hello! Myself and the rest of the staff would like to take a moment to personally welcome you to the Lemon Grove Library. Among the resources we provide to the community are books, e-materials, e-resources computers, 3-D printing, and events for all ages from babies to seniors. We are a branch of the San Diego County Library system, and as such, we are committed to enriching the lives of the community of Lemon Grove. Our mission is to Read, Create, Learn and Energize; take a moment to visit us and see what the library has to offer. We look forward to your visit!  

Danielle Ghio, Branch Manager 

The Cool Zone

Designated Cool Zones sites provide refreshing relief for older adults and others during hot summer months.

The City of Lemon Grove has great weather with days of sunshine and mild temperatures all year round. But, with that, comes summer heat waves that can bring temperatures to 100 degrees fahrenheit or higher.

Preparing for heat waves should be part of household planning to keep you and your loved ones safe. 

Cool Zones Information

Cool Zone sites, mostly located in the hottest areas of the county, help older adults and others keep cool and save energy costs.

In the summer, the County designates Cool Zone sites. These are air-conditioned settings where seniors and others can gather to escape the heat. The sites encourage people to share air conditioning during the heat of the day, lowering individual usage and helping to conserve energy for the whole community.

Residents can use officially sanctioned Cool Zones to escape the heat and rest up before going back outside.

Supervisor Dianne Jacob created the Cool Zone idea out of concern for seniors and disabled persons with health problems that could be complicated by the effects of heat.

The Cool Zone Fan Program

Even with Cool Zone sites opening, not all older adults or persons with disabilities can leave home to escape the heat. Homebound individuals may not be able to take advantage of traditional Cool Zone sites.

To help community members beat the heat, the County of San Diego, in partnership with SDG&E, provides free electric fans to those who are 60 years of age and older, or disabled, living on limited incomes. Please be advised it is not recommended to rely on electric fans for cooling if temperatures exceed 90 degrees.

Tips to Beat the Heat

Aging and Independence Services offers Cool Zones to help older adults keep cool during hot summer days. But there are other things people can do to beat the heat:

• Slow down. Be your most physically active during the coolest part of the day, usually between 4-7 a.m. Pace yourself when engaging in physical activity.
• Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not being used, stay on the lowest floor. Keep shades down and blinds closed, but windows slightly open.
• Go to a Cool Zone site on hot days.
• Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools your body.
• Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
• Avoid using the oven.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's heat.
• Air out hot cars before getting into them.
• Never leave children or pets inside vehicles at any time, even with the windows cracked. Temperatures inside a vehicle can reach lethal levels no matter what the weather is like.
• Drink more fluids than usual even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine; they make the heat's effects on your body worse.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increases metabolic heat.
• Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• If you take diuretics, ask your physician about a lower dosage during hot weather.
• If it is safe to do so, leave windows open at night. Open windows on two sides to create cross ventilation.
• Place a piece of cardboard covered with aluminum foil in sunny windows to reflect sunlight and heat away from the house.
• Vacuum, clean or replace air filters regularly for maximum cooling efficiency.
• If affordable, install outdoor awnings or sunscreens.
• Call your physician if you feel you may be experiencing a heat-related illness.

The current program season runs from June 1 - October 31.

Locations - Looking for a place to cool off? Visit the County of San Diego's web page for a location near you!