Triple-digit heat is coming to Sacramento. Here’s how to find cooling centers and stay safe
It’s that time of the year again in Sacramento when temperatures become dangerous. This weekend, temperatures are forecasted for the high 90s in Sacramento County. Temperatures are only expected to rise, reaching triple digits next week and Fourth of July weekend.
Nationwide, heat-related deaths are increasing. In 2023, more than 2,000 people died due to heat related incidents according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services. This toll sets a record for the highest death count nationwide in 45 years.
With temperatures increasing each year, causing dangerous weather conditions, Sacramento County experts share information on cooling centers.
When are cooling centers activated? How do I find one?
Sacramento County offers cooling centers to help residents without air conditioning manage with extreme heat. Cooling centers are climate-controlled spaces where residents can stay during extreme weather conditions.
Cooling centers are temporary designations, meaning specific locations are open only when temperatures are over 100 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or when it’s in the high 90s and overnight temperatures don’t cool down below 70, said Janna Haynes, the public information manager for Sacramento County.
To find the nearest cooling center, residents can look online at 211 Sacramento. These areas are classified as “severe weather spaces.” 211’s map also include daytime respite centers, community centers, and public libraries that offer air conditioning.
And if you struggle with transportation, you can catch a free ride with Sacramento Regional Transit to get to a center. Sacramento Regional Transit offers free rides to anyone going to a cooling center. Haynes, said these rides are provided on bus and lightrail routes. Riders have to show a flyer (which can be found here) or clarify they’re going to a specific cooling center when a bus or lightrail operator asks to see their ticket.
Tips on staying cool
Ahead of this weekend, expert also shared practical tips on how to stay cool. During these hot days, they recommend staying inside as much as possible. But for those who are unable, they advise planning your day around the weather—to only go outside during the early mornings or late at night when temperatures aren’t at their peak.
In Sacramento, there been a slight uptick in heat related emergency room visits said Olivia Kasirye, the public health officer for Sacramento County. Young children, the elderly and those with chronic conditions are deemed at risk, but heat stroke can affect anyone.
Kasirye said, in Sacramento, it’s been mostly young adults ending up in the emergency room due to heat-related incidents. Usually it’s because they know they are in a lower risk group for heat stroke and spend time outside doing strenuous activities, she said.
“It’s important for all of us to take care,” Kasirye said. “Apart from avoiding the hottest parts of the day, (we) also make sure that we are keeping hydrated and drinking lots of water.”
For those who have to be outside on days with intense heat, Kasirye advised to wear loose fitting and light colored clothes. She recommended staying in the shade as much as possible and taking frequent water breaks.
If you’re at risk of heat stroke, you’ll begin to feel the following symptoms: headache, confusion, dizziness, a rapid pulse, nausea and vomiting and a body temperature of over 104 degrees. Kasirye said another warning sign is when your body stops sweating altogether.
“If they get to the point where they’re not sweating anymore, those are dangerous signs that somebody really needs to move from where they’re at to a cooler area and get hydration,” Kasirye said “In some situations, people can pass out.”
It’s also important to look out for one another, Kasirye said.
“If somebody is looking like they’re getting dizzy, make sure that they are able to take the break and take the water that they need to.” Kasirye said.
