Cooling center for extreme Labor Day weekend heat wave now open in Elk Grove

Information from The City of Elk Grove and Cosumnes Community Services District | 

In response to another National Weather Service excessive heat warning for the Sacramento region, the City of Elk Grove and Cosumnes Community Services District will open a cooling center at the Wackford Community Complex, 9014 Bruceville Road, in Elk Grove beginning this Saturday, September 5.

The cooling center is available for residents who may lack shelter or adequate home cooling systems. The cooling center will operate through next Tuesday, September 8. Daily hours will be from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The space will offer seating, water, and air-conditioning.

Following California Department of Health COVID-19 recommended protocols, temperature screenings will be required for entry. Visitors to the cooling center will also be required to wear face coverings and maintain six feet of social distancing from others. Masks will be provided to those who need them. 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 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, visit a cooling center or a public building with air conditioning each day for several hours.

• Wear lightweight clothing.

• Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.

• When outdoors, wear a broad-brimmed hat and loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing that will cover as much skin as possible.

• 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.

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

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