Unusually warm weather, combined with the ongoing problems of poor air quality due to fires, is prompting Placer County to make the community rooms in four county libraries available for residents who would like a cooler place to be.

Cooling centers opened Tuesday, July 8, 2008, in county library community rooms in Loomis, Granite Bay, Rocklin and Auburn (addresses below), and will operate from noon to 8 p.m. through Wed., July 9, and Thurs., July 10, 2008, as needed. County officials believe that libraries are well-suited to provide a comfortable familiar place to stay while the temperatures cool. A county message line, 530-886-4636, and the county web site, www.placer.ca.gov will be kept up to date should there be changes.

The National Weather Service’ Excessive Heat Warning has predicted temperatures in excess of 100 degrees with night time temperatures remaining above 75 degrees for the next three days.

Dr. Richard Burton, Placer County Health Officer and Director of Health and Human Services is also encouraging residents to take precautions for good health during this hot weather.

Most at risk are the elderly, chronically ill and very young, who need special attention. However, all residents should use good judgment and to watch out for heat exhaustion and heat stroke during prolonged hot weather. He offers the following tips:

1) Change your routine.

• Avoid strenuous activity during the day. Schedule strenuous activity during the early morning when it is coolest; and 
• Don't use the oven. Eat cool foods such as salads.

2) Stay cool and hydrated.

• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. If you need to work outside, take more breaks and use the shade to cool off when not working. Wear a hat and use sunscreen;
• Take cool baths and showers or sponge off with cool water. If you don't have air conditioning, go to someplace that does, like a library, senior center, movie theater or a local store; and
• Drink plenty of cool, non-alcoholic beverages. Alcohol worsens dehydration.

3) Monitor yourself, family and neighbors.

• Know the signs of more serious heat illness. Heat exhaustion starts with weakness, nausea, dizziness and profuse sweating. Heat stroke is characterized by a high body temperature, lack of sweating and physical collapse; and
• Some medicines make you more sensitive to heat stress. Check with your doctor or pharmacist; and 
• Check in on older friends and relatives living alone. The most common victims of heat stroke are elderly people living alone. Invite them to visit an air conditioned library or movie with you

Heat related illnesses are easily prevented. Enjoy a change in routine, let the weather dictate how hard you work and exercise, and watch out for family, friends and neighbors.

Addresses for the county libraries are as follows:

• Auburn Library, 350 Nevada Street in Auburn;
• Loomis Library, 6050 Library Drive in Loomis;
• Granite Bay Library, 6475 Douglas Blvd., Granite Bay;
• Rocklin Library, 5460 5^th Street, Rocklin.

For additional information about health effects of wildfire smoke, visit the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) fact sheet: Health Threat From Wildfire Smoke

For information regarding  heat, visit CDC's fact sheet: Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness