Higher-than-normal temperatures are expected throughout the week on the coast and inland valleys of San Diego County from Tuesday through the holiday weekend.
The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued an excessive heat warning calling for triple-digit temperatures in some inland areas and deserts and is expected to last through Labor Day, Monday, September 5.
Cool Zones is open during the day at San Diego County Libraries. On Monday, three libraries will open Cool Zone community rooms from 10 am to 6 pm The three library branches are Ramona, 1275 Main St, Ramona, CA 92065; sheep 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 view county library hours and locations. Community centers and other community buildings may also offer air conditioning for residents.
“Prolonged heat with little relief at night could pose a risk to people more prone to heat stress, such as older adults, infants and children, and people with chronic medical conditions,” said Wilma J. Wooten, MDMPH, county public health officer. “People included in these groups are encouraged to take extra precautions and protect children from the effects of heat. People are also encouraged to check on their elderly relatives or neighbors and their pets to make sure they don’t feel sick from the heat.”
County health officials offer the following tips:
- Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest part of the day.
- Wear light and loose clothing.
- Drink plenty of water (avoid alcohol and sugary drinks) and don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
- Take cold showers.
- Never leave a sonunattended elderly person or pet in a car.
- Avoid unnecessary hard work or outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
- Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and wear a wide-brimmed hat if you need to be out in the sun.
- Avoid using the oven for cooking.
- Avoid being outside in the heat of the day.
- Pet owners can exercise their pets in the early morning or late afternoon and early evening to avoid prolonged exposure to heat.
- Even spending a few hours in the air conditioning can help your body stay cooler.
- Don’t rely on electric fans for cooling if temperatures exceed 90 degrees.
People in San Diego County who cannot get to a Cool Zone location without transportation assistance, such as seniors, people with disabilities, or people who are homebound, can call 2-1-1 to connect to a free shuttle or rideshare service. cost.
Signs of heat stroke 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 person by doing the following:
- Move them to a shaded area
- Spray with cold water and ventilate them.
- Place them in a cold shower if they are alert.
- Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts, and
- Do not give the victim fluids to drink.
For more information on the signs and symptoms of emergencies like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, visit the County Health and Human Services Agency extreme heat website.
