County Opens More Cool Zones in Rural Areas
The County has opened additional cool zones in rural areas to help residents beat the heat.
Nine cool zones are now open in County libraries and community centers, some of which include extended and weekend hours.
The high temperatures are expected to last through the end of the week. Residents, particularly in desert communities, are advised to stay cool, avoid activities that may cause overheating.
Hot temperatures can be particularly dangerous for seniors, and they are advised to stay home
Please note that regardless of vaccination status, anyone who enters a cool zone must wear a facial covering inside. This is in adherence to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Health officials recommend people do the following to avoid overheating:
- If available, stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
- Drink plenty of water (avoid alcohol and sugary drinks) and don’t wait until you are thirsty
- Take cool showers
- Never leave a child, elderly person, or pet unattended in a car
- Keep pets cool in hot weather
- Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities outside during the hottest part of the day
- Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and wear a wide-brim hat if you need to be in the sun
- Avoid using the oven to cook
An extremely high body temperature (103 or higher), dizziness, nausea, confusion, and headache are signs of heatstroke or exhaustion. If someone shows these signs, call 9-1-1 and begin cooling the individual by:
- Moving them to a shaded area
- Spraying with cool water and fanning them
- Placing them in a cool shower if they are alert
- Monitoring the body temperature and continue cooling efforts
- Do not give the victim fluids to drink
For more information on extreme heat, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more information on the Cool Zones program as well as tips to stay cool at home, visit www.coolzones.org.