San Andreas, CA…The U.S. National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for much of the foothill region Saturday, September 3rd through Tuesday, September 6th. Temperatures are expected to reach extremely hot conditions of up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit in some parts of the county.

Older adults, young children, people with chronic conditions, and people who are ill or on certain medications are at highest risk of heat related illness and death.

“Stay indoors, drink plenty of water, and recognize signs of heat-related illness. It can keep yourself and others safe and prevent serious injuries and even death during high temperatures,” stated Dr. Rene Ramirez, Calaveras County Health Officer. Each year about 700 people in the United States die from a heat-related illness. “Take a moment to check on your family, friends, neighbors, and animals this holiday weekend to make sure they have water, food, and access to a cool indoor space. It can help save a life,” added Dr. Ramirez.

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. It is important to recognize signs and symptoms in order to help those experiencing a heat related illness.

Signs of heat exhaustion include:
 Headache
 Nausea
 Dizziness
 Weakness
 Irritability
 Thirst
 Heavy Sweating
 Elevated body temperature
 Decreased urine output

Signs of heat stroke include:
 Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
 Loss of consciousness (coma)
 Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
 Seizures
 Very high body temperature
 Fatal if treatment delayed

Due to this dangerous heat, Calaveras County Health and Human Services Agency announces the opening of cooling centers countywide, Saturday through Monday. Cooling Centers will be open September 3-5 from 12pm-8pm. For assistance with transportation, call Calaveras Connect at (209) 754-4450. Cooling center locations include:

Arnold
Arnold Library
1065 Blagen Road,
Arnold, CA 95223 West Point West Point Community Hall 22283 Highway 26, West Point, CA 95255

Copperopolis
Copperopolis Library
Suite 106 Lake Tulloch Plaza,, Copperopolis, CA 95228

Mokelumne Hill Mokelumne Hill Library 8328 Main Street, Mokelumne Hill, CA 95245
San Andreas

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

Valley Springs Valley Springs Library 240 Pine Street, Valley Springs, CA 95252
Cooling centers will comply with COVID-19 guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings will be required.

Animals are also at particular risk for heat-related illness. Learn more about how to keep your pet safe during extreme heat. Calaveras County Animal Services will provide a cooling center for cats and dogs between September 3-5 from 11a-5pm. Overnight sheltering capabilities are available for those in need. The shelter will be located at the Friends of the Calaveras Animal Services (FOCAS) building at 901 Jeff Tuttle Drive, San Andreas, CA 95249.

Please confirm availability before arriving by calling the Animal Services emergency contact number at (209) 754 – 6866.

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
 Don’t leave children or pets unattended in vehicles at any time
 Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1

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 cooling centers call 2-1-1 or visit Calaveras County website. For details about prevention and signs of heat-related illness, visit www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips or https://www.ready.gov/heat.

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