San Andreas, CA…Calaveras County Announces the Opening of Cooling Centers Thursday Through Saturday Ahead of Extreme Heat. The U.S. National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for much of the county Thursday through Saturday. Older adults, young children, and people with mental illness and chronic conditions are at highest risk of heat related illness and death. Each year about 600 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat.

Heat related illnesses, like heat stroke or heat exhaustion, happen when the body is not able to cool itself properly. When a person’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself by sweating, this can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs. Factors that might increase your risk of heat related illness include:
 Obesity
 Heart Disease
 Mental illness
 Poor circulation
 Fever
 Dehydration
 Sunburn
 Prescription drug use
 Alcohol use

Due to this dangerous heat, Calaveras County Health and Human Services Agency announces the opening of cooling centers countywide, Thursday through Saturday. Cooling Centers will be open June 17-19 from 11am-8pm. For assistance with transportation, call Calaveras Connect at (209) 754-4450. Cooling center locations include:

Arnold
Independence Hall
1445 Blagen Road, Arnold, CA 95223

Copperopolis
Copperopolis Armory
695 Main Street, Copperopolis, CA 95228

Murphys
Murphys Fire District Training Center
58 Jones Street, Murphys, CA 95247

San Andreas
San Andreas Library
1299 Gold Hunter Road, San Andreas, CA 95249

Valley Springs
Jenny Lind Elementary School (Gym)
5100 Driver Road, Valley Springs, CA 95252

West Point
West Point Community Hall
22283 Highway 26, West Point, CA 95255

Cooling centers in San Andreas will comply with COVID-19 guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings will be required.
Calaveras Public Health reminds everyone to:
 Drink plenty of water
 Stay cool, stay indoors
 Wear light clothing and sunscreen when outdoors
 Plan outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day
 Pace yourself
 Stay in touch with your family, friends, and neighbor’s, especially those with health conditions and the elderly
Calaveras Public Health urges people to continue to remain vigilant about the prevention of COVID-19 transmission during excessive heat. The best ways to avoid exposure to the virus are to:
 Maintain physical distancing, ideally at least 6 feet between individuals
 Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
 Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
 Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth when around others
 Get tested for COVID-19 if you develop any symptoms of COVID-19
 Get vaccinated for COVID-19

For more information about prevention and signs of heat-related illness, visit the Calaveras County COVID-19 website or go to https://www.ready.gov/heat.