St. Helena Library Will House Cooling Center Today

ST. HELENA, CA —The city of St. Helena has announced that due to the extreme heat expected in Napa County, it will operate a cooling center from noon to 8 p.m. today at the St. Helena Library, 1492 Library Lane.

Anyone who cannot safely stay cool at home can seek temporary relief at the air-conditioned site, the city said.

Safety protocols, per California Department of Health guidelines, will be in place at the cooling center to prevent transmission of COVID-19 among visitors and staff.

With a National Weather Service (NWS) heat advisory in effect for Napa County from Wednesday to Monday, officials have warned that accumulating heat stress could impact people across the region, especially older adults and those sensitive to heat.

The city of Helena has encouraged everyone to be on the lookout for heat-related illnesses, for themselves, family and friends. Examples of heat-related illnesses are:

Heat cramps: These occur as muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. They often are the first signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.

Symptoms: Painful cramps, especially in the legs and flushed, moist skin.

Treatment: Moving to a cool place to rest, removing excess clothing and placing cool cloths on the skin, or fanning the skin.

Heat stroke: A serious illness characterized by a body temperature greater than 105 degrees.

Symptoms: Dry red skin, convulsions, disorientation, delirium and coma.

Treatment: Rapid lowering of the body temperature by taking a cool bath or applying wet towels to the body. Victims of heat stroke should be kept in a cool area and somebody should call 911 immediately.

Heat Exhaustion: A milder form of heat stroke that may develop due to a combination of several days with high temperatures and dehydration.

Symptoms: Extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea or headache. Victims may vomit or faint.

Treatment: Drinking plenty of liquids and resting in a cool, shaded area.

The city of St. Helena said area residents should consider the following tips and suggestions to avoid heat-related illness:

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Drink plenty of fluids and replace salts and minerals in your body. A sports beverage can help replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
• Alcohol contributes to dehydration. Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Protect your face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. When outdoors, use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
• Stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
• Take cool baths or showers.
• Place a damp towel around your shoulders to reduce body heat.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
• Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Hot, heavy meals add heat to your body. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Closely monitor a local radio station or TV station for the latest heat-related information.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.

For more information about how to stay safe during the heat wave and avoid heat-related illness, review CDC's Extreme Heat guidelines.