Extreme Heat Cool Zones
Last updated 9/2/2022 at 12:16pm
The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued an excessive heat warning due to triple digit temperatures forecast in much of East County and local deserts through the Labor Day weekend until at least Tuesday Sept. 6.
The County operates Cool Zones at some libraries and community centers. People in San Diego County unable to get to a Cool Zone location without transportation assistance, such as older adults, people with disabilities, or people who are homebound, can call 2-1-1 to be connected to a transportation or ride share service at no cost.
Although Monday is a holiday, three libraries will open Cool Zone community rooms from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday. The three library branches are Ramona, 1275 Main St, Ramona, CA 92065; Borrego Springs, 2580 Country Club Rd, Borrego Springs, CA 92004; and Valley Center: 29200 Cole Grade Rd, Valley Center, CA 92082. Please note that regular library services will not be available.
Click here to see hours and locations for County libraries. Community centers and other community buildings may also offer air conditioning for residents.
“The prolonged heat with little relief at night could pose a risk for those most prone to heat stress like older adults, infants and children, and people with chronic medical conditions,” said Wilma J. Wooten, M.D. M.P.H., County public health officer. “People included in these groups are encouraged to take extra precautions and protect children from the effects of the heat. People are also encouraged to check on older family or neighbors, and pets to make sure they are not feeling ill from the heat.”
County health officials offer the following tips:
- 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.
- 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.
- Avoid being out in the heat of the day.
- Pet owners can exercise their pets in early morning hours or late afternoon and early evening to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat.
- Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler.
- Do not rely on electric fans for cooling if temperatures exceed 90 degrees.
Signs of heatstroke or exhaustion include an extremely high body temperature (103 or higher), dizziness, nausea, confusion and headache. 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 continuing cooling efforts, and
- Do not give the victim fluids to drink
