Three cooling centers open in Marin due to excessive heat
With predicted triple-digit temperatures over the next few days, the California State Warning Center has issued a statewide excessive heat warning through Monday, September 7. These conditions could also increase the possibility of Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) early next week.
In response, three Cooling Centers will open in Marin County on Sunday and Monday (Sept 6 and 7) from 3pm to 7pm to offer residents some relief.
- San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street, San Rafael
- Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road, Novato
- Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley
Safety protocols will be in place at each cooling center site to prevent transmission of COVID-19 among both visitors and staff. Measures include COVID-19 screening, use of masks or face coverings, physical distancing between individuals or household units, enhanced cleaning and disinfection, and lowering capacity limits of the building. Individuals showing symptoms of COVID-19 (i.e., fever, cough, shortness of breath), should contact their medical provider instead of visiting a Cooling Center.
Those most vulnerable to extreme heat include older adults, people with chronic medical conditions or mental health conditions and the socially isolated. Vulnerable residents do not need to be a resident of the city cooling center location. Service animals will be welcome.
“Marin County residents living in affected areas should find relief from high outdoor temperatures,” said Dr. Lisa Santora, the County’s Deputy Public Health Officer. “We urge people to be aware of the symptoms of heat-related illness and to take common sense measures to stay cool and healthy during extreme temperatures.”
During this heat wave, residents should take the necessary precautions to prevent serious health effects for heat-related illnesses. Marin Health and Human Services suggests the following tips to stay cool and safe:
Stay cool
- Do not leave children and pets unattended in vehicles
- Limit outdoor activities
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings and shelters or public cooling center
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing
- Check on friends, family and neighbors who are sensitive to heat at least twice a day
Stay hydrated
- Drink more water than usual
- Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside
- Avoid alcohol or drinks containing high amounts of sugar
- Make sure family, friends and neighbors drink enough water
Stay informed
- Check local news for extreme heat warnings and safety tips
- Keep friends, family and neighbors aware of weather and heat safety information
- Recognize the signs of a heat illness (below) and if symptoms are severe or life threatening, call 911
Know the signs of heat-related illnesses
Heat-related illness is a spectrum of disorders due to environmental factors, specifically heat exposure.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion
- Weakness
- Skin is cold, pale and clammy
- Weak pulse
- Fainting and vomiting
What to do if experiencing heath exhaustion
- Move to a cooler location
- Lie down and loosen clothing
- Apply cool, wet clothes and cover as much of the body as possible
- Drink plenty of water (avoid caffeine and alcohol)
- If vomiting occurs and is continuous, seek medical attention immediately
Symptoms of heat stroke
- High body temperature (above 103 degrees F)
- Hot, red, dry or moist skin
- Rapid and strong pulse
- Possible unconsciousness
What to do if experiencing heat stroke
- Call 911 immediately if symptoms present
- Move the person to a cooler environment
- Reduce the person’s body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath
- Do NOT provide fluids.
Preparation can make a difference in avoiding heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Please review additional extreme heat preparation tips recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.