10 Ways To Beat Sacramento’s Oppressive Heat This Week

UPDATE 7/29/2016: Temperatures for the Valley and Foothills are estimated to hit 100 to 112 degrees this weekend. Sacramento has opened cooling centers for sensitive groups from Friday until Sunday. View information about cooling centers in Sacramento here.

6/21/15 ORIGINAL If you’ve ventured outside in the past couple days you know -- it’s really hot in the Sacramento region. 

What’s a Sacramentan to do? We’ve compiled a list of how to stay cool and survive the heat.

1. Stay hydrated. Drink more water than you think you need. You lose water faster when it’s hot, so keep that water bottle handy.

2. Visit a public pool, here’s a list of Sacramento Pools, $2 for kids and $4 for adults. Play pools at Colonial Park, Land Park, Robertson Park, Mama Marks Park, and Bertha Henschel Park offer free admission.

3. Take cool showers to lower your body temperature.

4. Avoid direct sun exposure.

5. If you don’t have air-conditioning at home, maybe make a trip to the mall, a theater or a public library.

6. If you work outside, take long breaks in the shade.

7. Wear sunscreen, light-colored lightweight materials and a wide-brimmed hat.

8. Watch for signs of heat stroke. These include heavy sweating, paleness of the skin, muscle cramps, weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting and fainting. Seek medical help if you experience any of these symptoms.

9. Cool off in the river or lake. Here’s a list of Sacramento River access points.

10. Never leave pets or loved ones in parked cars.

Currently,  there are no cooling centers open in the city. If temperatures stay at above 105 degrees for three consecutive days the City will set up cooling centers to help vulnerable populations. View more information about Sacramento’s emergency heat response plan here.

- Capital Public Radio Staff