Heat wave advisory - Cosumnes Community Services, City of Elk Grove open cooling center

Press release from the City of Elk Grove | 

In response to forecasted temperatures exceeding 105 degrees for the next few days, the City of Elk Grove and Cosumnes Community Services District (CSD) will open a cooling center in Elk Grove for residents who may lack shelter or adequate home cooling systems.

The cooling center will be located at the Barbara Morse Wackford Community Complex at 9014 Bruceville Road. The center will operate from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on August 14, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on August 15 and 16.

The cooling center will offer seating, water, and air-conditioned space. The facility cannot accommodate pets.

To protect yourself and your loved ones against heat-related illness, consider the following safety tips:

• Slow down and avoid strenuous activity.
• Postpone outdoor games and activities.
• Stay in the shade, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) and ultraviolet type A (UVA) rating.
• Conserve electricity other than that being used for cooling equipment.
• If your home does not have air conditioning, go to a public building with air conditioning each day for several hours.
• Wear lightweight clothing.
• Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.
• Wear a broad-brimmed hat and loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing that will cover as much skin as possible when outdoors.
• Drink plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies.
• Avoid extremely cold drinks, which can cause cramping.
• Avoid drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine.
• If you are taking water pills or you limit the amount of fluid you drink on your doctor’s orders, ask how much you should drink during hot weather.
• If you take medications, check with your doctor to see if you need to take extra precautions in extreme heat.
• If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors.
• Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat.
• Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Never leave children, elderly or functional needs adults, or pets alone in closed vehicles.

Protecting your pets from heat emergencies:

Heat stress can cause brain and organ damage in dogs, cats and other pets. Symptoms of heat stress include heavy panting, glaze eyes, a rapid heartbeat, restlessness, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, and unconsciousness.

If an animal shows symptoms of heatstroke, gradually lower its temperature through these steps:

• Move the animal into the shade or an air-conditioned area.
• Apply ice packs or cold towels to its head, neck and chest, or immerse the animal in cool (not cold) water.
• Let the animal drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
• Take the animal to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

For additional safety tips and more information about local emergency preparedness, visit www.sacoes.org or www.elkgrovecity.org.