Sacramento County is forecasted to have a stretch of triple-digit numbers starting Saturday, Sep. 5 until Tuesday, Sep. 8. Some Cooling Centers will be opening during this time due to these higher than average temperatures.
Cooling Centers
Heat Tips
Sacramento County reminds you to take precautions as temperatures climb and to keep yourself, your family, your neighbors and your pets cool, and remember to check on seniors and those with mobility issues at least twice a day.
Keep as cool and hydrated as possible; drink plenty of water, avoid activities during the hottest part of the day as much as possible. Cooling down a few hours a day will allow the body to recover and tolerate the heat better for the rest of the day.
Tips for Beating the Heat:
- 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.
Senior Specific Tips
It’s important to know that seniors may not realize when they are overheated, dehydrated and in danger. Compounding the risk for seniors, some medications and chronic health conditions, such as obesity, heart disease, dementia, and diabetes, cause seniors to not sweat effectively to cool down and they can have poorer circulation. If seniors need additional services, call 2-1-1 to find out about available services.
Check on seniors twice a day and encourage seniors to:
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, such as cotton or other natural fabrics – stay away from man-made fabrics such as lycra and polyester.
- Drink water or juice throughout the day as some do not always sense thirst and will go long periods of time without taking in fluids.
- Use air conditioning or fans in their homes or rooms.
- Many seniors are on fixed incomes making them hesitant to use air conditioning even if it is available. Remind them that a few hours of cooler temperatures allow their body to recover.
- Minimizing activities that generate heat in the home, for example, use a microwave to cook instead of the oven.
While older adults and children are at higher risk to develop heat exhaustion or heatstroke, those in their twenties visit hospitals most due to heat exposure.
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 9-1-1 immediately.
Sacramento County and the Office of Emergency Services will continue to monitor the temperatures over the next week.
