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Stay cool: How to beat the California heat

In times like these of extreme heat, it doesn't take long to experience the effects of the sun.

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Dangerous heat is blanketing California, leaving many asking where they might be able to find a cool place of refuge. Luckily, there are cooling centers in many communities to help residents beat the heat.

According to Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), a cooling center is a place where you and your family can go to cool off during hot summer days, and they’re open to everyone.

Cooling center locations include government-run senior centers, community centers, parks and recreation sites, and public buildings like libraries. PG&E also included a list of designated cooling centers in the state. The City of West Sacramento also has a list of cooling center locations on their website.

In times like these of extreme heat, it doesn’t take long to experience the effects of the sun. It is an especially dangerous time for children and the elderly. Some tips to prevent heat-related illness, including these tips from the Sacramento Fire Department:

  • Stay in the shade. Wear a hat or use an umbrella.
  • Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
  • Avoid strenuous activity. If you must, do so during the coolest part of the day, usually in the early morning hours and take regular breaks in a cool place.
  • Drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated. Avoid alcohol which can dehydrate the body and reduce awareness of potential signs of heat stress. Also, avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and sodas which can also dehydrate the body.
  • If you do not have air conditioning, spend as much time as possible at public locations that are air conditioned such as senior centers, libraries, movie theaters, indoor malls, etc.
  • Avoid using the oven or clothes dryer during the hottest part of the day.
  • Never leave infants, children or animals unattended inside a vehicle.

It’s also important to know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. For heat exhaustion, symptoms include cool, clammy skin, that is pale, flushed or red. Heavy sweating is also a symptom of heat exhaustion. A person might also experience dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and could even faint.

The symptoms of heat stroke include hot, red and dry skin, with no sweating. Sufferers have a rapid pulse and rapid shallow breathing. Their body temperature can be very high and they might even lose consciousness.

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