LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The National Weather Service’s Eureka Office reported that increased risk of heat-related illness is expected in Lake County beginning Saturday, with the highest temperatures of between 95 to 105 degrees projected for Sunday and early next week.
With high temperatures expected to persist over much of the next week, many Lake County residents will be seeking opportunities to escape the heat.
Staff from the Lake County Library system and county-operated Peer Support Centers want to ensure members of the public know their facilities’ doors are open during normal business hours; at least one facility is open each day of the week.
Shopping at local businesses and eating at local restaurants with air-conditioned facilities during the warmest hours of the day can also be great ways to support the community while cooling off, county officials reported.
It’s important to recognize the signs of heat related illness and make safe choices during hot weather. The website https://www.ready.gov/heat offers these tips:
• Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day;
• If air conditioning is not available in your home, go to a cooled facility, like Lake County’s Library Branches and Peer Support Centers (details below);
• Take cool showers or baths;
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing;
• Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home;
• If you’re outside, find shade and wear a hat wide enough to protect your face;
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated (don’t wait until you’re thirsty!);
• Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors during midday heat, if possible;
• Check on family members, older adults and neighbors;
• Consider pet safety – if they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade;
• Remember, asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet;
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke;
• Remember, heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1.
Heat-related illnesses can require urgent action. What are the signs?
Heat stroke
Signs include:
• Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F, temperature taken orally)
• Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat;
• Rapid, strong pulse; or
• Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness
If you suspect heat stroke, call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives. Do not give the person anything to drink.
Heat cramps
Signs include:
• Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs
Heat exhaustion
Signs include:
• Heavy sweating;
• Paleness;
• Muscle cramps;
• Tiredness;
• Weakness;
• Fast or weak pulse;
• Dizziness;
• Headache;
• Fainting, nausea or vomiting.
If you have signs of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, go to a cooler location and cool down by removing excess clothing and taking sips of sports drinks or water. Call your healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.
For resources on preparedness for many types of emergencies and challenging weather-related events, visit https://www.ready.gov/.
Working or leading crews working outside? Visit https://99calor.org/ or https://99calor.org/english.html.
Beating the heat at Lake County’s libraries and peer support centers
While none of these are formal cooling centers, and capacity is limited at each site, they are invaluable community resources, as temperatures rise.
Here is information on normal operating hours and services available at each facility.
County library facilities
Lake County’s four public library branches are open and accessible to all during their normal business hours. While you cool off, check out the many new materials and digital services the library has to offer – there is something for everyone.
Here is a list of Lake County Library locations, and their customary hours of operation:
Lakeport Library
1425 N. High St.
707-263-8817
Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Redbud Library
14785 Burns Valley Road, Clearlake
707-994-5115
Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Middletown Library
21256 Washington St.
707-987-3674
Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Upper Lake Library
310 Second St.
707-275-2049
Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Peer support centers
Lake County Behavioral Health Services also reminds their peer support centers are open as a refuge from the heat. Each provides an air-conditioned place to sit and rest. Water and light snacks are offered to guests, and restrooms are available. Referrals to social services can also be made. All are welcome.
Below is a list of peer support centers, with their customary hours and locations:
The Big Oak Peer Support Center
13300 East Highway 20, Suite O
Clearlake Oaks
707-998-0310
Sunday-Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Circle of Native Minds Cultural Center
525 N. Main St., Lakeport
707-263-4880
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed Saturdays and Sundays
The Harbor on Main
154 South Main St., Lakeport
707-994-5486
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed Saturdays and Sundays
La Voz de la Esperanza Centro Latino
14092 Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake
707-994-4261
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed Saturdays and Sundays
County reports on facilities available for cooling ahead of higher temperatures
- Lake County News reports
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