An extreme heat wave with minimal overnight relief has prompted a National Weather Service warning and the opening of cooling centers throughout Northern California.
A NWS Excessive Heat Warning is in effect for the region through Wednesday as temperatures are forecasted to be around 10 to 20 degrees above normal, with highs of 102 to 110 across the Valley and 95 to 107 across the foothills. Some locations could exceed 110.
Extreme and prolonged heat significantly increases the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities, NWS says. Those sensitive to heat, pets and livestock are also especially at risk.
Many cool air spaces typically used by the public, such as libraries and community centers, are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But counties and cities are opening some cooling center locations where you can go to keep cool, and in some cases replenish with water and snacks.
Here are some recommendations for staying safe and a list of places you can go to cool off.
General Advice
Here are some ways to stay cool and warning signs for overheating, shared by Sacramento County. If you are concerned about the health of yourself or a loved one, please contact your health care provider.
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of cool water. Avoid alcohol. Avoid hot, heavy meals.
- Limit sun exposure – When possible, stay in air conditioning on hot days. If you don’t have air conditioning, take cool showers, dampen or freeze a wet cloth to wipe down your head and neck.
- Check on loved ones – Be sure to check on less-mobile or older friends, family and neighbors who live alone, may not have or know to use air conditioning.
- Clothing - Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing
- Beware of hot cars – Never leave a person or a pet in a parked car, even for a short time. On a mild 80-degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 100 degrees in fewer than 10 minutes.
- Avoid the hottest part of the day – If you have to be outside, try to stick to the cooler morning and evening hours. Wear light, loose clothing and take frequent, shaded or air-conditioned breaks. Do not exercise outside during the hottest part of the day.
- Keep your pets cool – Give your pets plenty of fresh, clean water. Don’t exercise your pets in high temperatures or when the pavement is hot. Make sure they have a shady place to get out of the sun or bring them indoors.
- Sunscreen – Protect your skin against cancer, burns and skin damage by using SPF 30 or higher.
- Stay informed – Watch your local weather forecasts so you can plan outdoor activities safely and pay attention to any extreme heat alerts.
Warning signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating
- Paleness
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
Warning signs for heat stroke are severe and include:
- High body temperature
- Absence of sweating and hot red or flushed dry skin
- Rapid pulse
- Difficulty breathing
- Strange behavior/hallucinations/confusion/agitation
- Seizure
- Coma
- If you or someone you know is experiencing any severe symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Cooling Centers
Know of a cooling center not on this list? Email us at [email protected].
The cooling center at Hagginwood Community Center will provide masks, water and snacks to guests, Friday, August 14, 2020.Andrew Nixon / CapRadio
Sacramento County
Each cooling center location will follow the California Department of Public Health Cooling Center guidelines. For the latest Cooling Center locations, dates and hours, dial 211 or go to www.211sacramento.org. Here’s a map that will stay updated as locations are changed.
City of Sacramento
Tsakopoulos Library Galleria, 828 I St.
Friday-Wednesday, 1-8 p.m.
Hagginwood Community Center, 3271 Marysville Blvd.
Friday-Wednesday, 1-8 p.m.
George Sim Community Center, 6207 Logan St.
Friday-Wednesday 1-8 p.m.
The centers will provide an air-conditioned space, snacks and water to guests.
Citrus Heights
Community Center, 6300 Fountain Square Dr.
Through Friday, Aug. 21, Noon-6 p.m.
Elk Grove
Wackford Center, 9014 Bruceville Rd.
Friday-Wednesday, 1-9 p.m.
The space will offer seating, water, and air-conditioning.
Galt
Chabolla Community Center, 600 Chabolla Ave.
Friday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Folsom
Folsom City Senior & Arts Center, 48 Natoma St.
Friday-Wednesday, noon-7 p.m.
Rancho Cordova
City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Dr.
Friday-Wednesday, noon-6 p.m.
Complimentary water and snacks will be provided, and family-friendly movies will be streaming. Please note that pets cannot be accommodated at Rancho Cordova City Hall, though service animals will be allowed.
Residents must wear a face covering at all times and keep a safe distance of at least six feet from others. Hand sanitizer will be available and face masks will be provided to those who do not have one.
San Joaquin County
Stockton
Arnold Rue Community Center, 5758 Lorraine Ave
Van Buskirk Community Center, 734 Houston Ave.
Friday and Saturday, 2-7 p.m.
These locations may have limited capacity. Seating will be offered in the gymnasium area, which is air conditioned. Face coverings and social distancing are required at all times and simple COVID-19 pre-screen questions will be asked at the door. Bring activities, such as books, games, and computer devices, as sports courts and equipment are not available for use.
Manteca
Manteca Transit Center, 220 Moffat Blvd.
Through Thursday, 1-9 p.m.
Masks and water provided, temperature check upon entry.
Tracy
Tracy Transit Station, 50 E. 6th St.
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
TRACER will also offer free fixed route bus rides on days temperatures are forecasted to be 100 degrees and above.
Lathrop
Generations Center, 450 Spartan Way
Thursday-Wednesday, 1-8 p.m.
Temperature check upon entry.
Yolo County
Davis
Davis Senior Center, 646 A St.
Through Wednesday, noon-7 p.m.
Woodland
Woodland Community and Senior Center, 2001 East St.
Until conditions change, noon-7 p.m.
West Sacramento
City Hall Galleria, 1110 West Capitol Ave.
Friday-until conditions change, noon-9 p.m.
Attendees will have access to water and restrooms in an air-conditioned setting.
Placer County
Rocklin
Rocklin Police Department, 4080 Rocklin Rd.
Roseville
Tower Theater, 417 Vernon St.
Saturday-Wednesday, noon-7 p.m.
Follow us for more stories like this
CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you. As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.
Donate Today
