Residents encouraged to beat the heat

Published on June 19, 2017

UPDATE: June 22, 2017

Due to projected high temperatures June 23-24, several Placer County libraries will operate with extended hours as cooling centers. The following libraries may stay open until 8 p.m., one hour past their normal closing time, on Thursday; and until 6 p.m. on Friday:

Auburn: 350 Nevada Street;
Granite Bay: 6475 Douglas Blvd.; and
Rocklin: 4890 Granite Drive

Additional resources for avoiding the heat are below.

Placer County is urging residents to take precautions and stay cool and hydrated during this week’s heat wave. Temperatures are expected to surpass 100 degrees for the next several days, gradually subsiding late in the week.

The county’s public health division and office of emergency services are monitoring the weather closely. Residents are encouraged to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat and seek out air-conditioned spaces: private residences, public businesses such as shopping centers or movie theaters, community centers and county-owned buildings such as libraries during normal opening hours.

Excessive heat poses dangers, especially to young children, older adults, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases or disabilities and people who are socially isolated. You can take proactive measures to prevent heat-related illness:

• Stay hydrated by regularly drinking water or other nonalcoholic beverages;
• Use home air conditioners or spend time in air-conditioned locations such as malls and libraries;
• Use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms and draw in cooler air;
• Take cool baths or showers or use cool compresses to prevent overheating;
• Minimize direct exposure to the sun;
• Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit and salads;
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes, as well as wide-brimmed hats to protect the face and neck;
• Wear sunglasses that provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection;
• Apply sunscreen liberally before going outdoors;
• Check on older, sick, or frail people who may need help responding to the heat; 
• Know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure. Heat-related illnesses include cramps, exhaustion and heat stroke. Warning signs can include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, paleness and dizziness;
• Avoid leaving children or pets alone in cars for any amount of time; and
• Do not exercise outdoors during the hottest parts of the day.

You should seek medical attention if you experience rapid, strong pulses; feel delirious; or have body temperatures above 102 degrees.

Find more resources for preventing and treating heat-related illness on the California Department of Public Health website. Placer’s public health department can be reached at (530) 889-7141.