With high heat in the forecast for the next several days, the Stanislaus County Office of Emergency Services (StanOES) and City of Turlock are partnering to remind citizens of several “cool zones” throughout Turlock.
Cool zones are facilities that are air conditioned and open to the public or provide a venue for residents to cool off.
According to Weather.com, Turlock will be in triple digits from July 28 through Aug. 3. The high for the week is expected to be to be 108 degrees on Wednesday.
“If you plan to be outdoors, please be sure to protect yourself from the sun and heat,” recommended Mayor Gary Soiseth. “During this drought's extreme heat conditions, it's our City's priority to make sure all our residents know that there are places throughout Turlock to find relief from the heat.”
Cool zone facilities in Turlock include the Turlock Public Library and the City’s public spray parks.
The Turlock Library, located at 550 Minaret Ave., is open Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Public spray parks, located at Broadway and Columbia parks, are both open daily from 1 to 5 p.m.
The Turlock Homeless Assistance Ministry (HAM) also has a facility open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Turlock HAM is located at 408 S. First St.
The City of Turlock, in partnership with Stanislaus OES, also offers the following tips to help Turlock residents stay safe:
- If possible, stay out of the sun. When in the sun, wear sunscreen that is at least SPF 15 and a hat to protect your face and head. Dress in lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
- Drink fluids — particularly water — even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.
- Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun's peak hours – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Cool down with repeated cool baths or showers.
- Never leave children, seniors, or pets in a parked car during periods of intense summer heat.
- Make a special effort to check on neighbors, especially seniors and those with special needs.
It is also important to recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, headache, weak pulse, dizziness, exhaustion, fainting, nausea or vomiting, and cold, clammy skin. Body temperature will seem normal.
Symptoms of heat stroke include flushed, hot, dry skin, weak or rapid pulse, shallow breathing, lack of sweating, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and unconsciousness. Body temperature will be elevated, and victim should receive immediate medical attention.
