St. Helena, Calistoga To Open Cooling Centers

ST. HELENA AND CALISTOGA, CA — The National Weather Service in San Francisco has issued an excessive heat warning for North Bay Mountains, including some higher elevations in Napa County, and a heat advisory for the valley floor. The warning and advisory went into effect at noon Friday and continue through 11 p.m. Sunday.

Well above average heat with widespread highs from the mid-90s to low 100s and hottest spots up to 110 degrees are expected. In St. Helena, high temperatures are currently forecast to reach 106 degrees on Saturday and 102 on Sunday. In Calistoga, where highs are expected to climb to 104 on Saturday and 100 on Sunday.

Those more vulnerable to hot conditions now have an option to escape the heat: the City of St. Helena is opening a cooling center from noon until 7 p.m. Saturday at the St. Helena Library, 1492 Library Lane.

"Anyone who cannot safely stay cool at home can seek temporary relief at the air-conditioned St. Helena site," said Cindy Tzafopoulos, city clerk and public information officer. "The City of St. Helena reminds people to take the necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses."

In Calistoga, where highs are expected to climb to 104 on Saturday and 100 on Sunday, a city cooling center will be open from noon until 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Calistoga Community Center, 1307 Washington St. Face coverings — masks — and distancing requirements are in effect for unvaccinated people but face coverings are not required for vaccinated people, the city of Calistoga said. Space is limited and face coverings are available.

At the city of St. Helena's cooling center, the city is implementing safety protocols per California Department of Health guidelines to prevent transmission of coronavirus among both visitors and staff. Measures include the use of masks or face coverings and physical distancing between individuals or household units.

The city of St. Helena encourages everyone to be on the lookout for heat-related illnesses for themselves and their family members and friends. Exposure to extreme heat can cause a variety of health problems, including heat stroke and death. As this information changes the City of St. Helena will update via the City's website, e-news and social media, Tzafopoulos said.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps occur as muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are often the first signal that the body is having trouble with the heat. Symptoms include painful cramps, especially in the legs, and flushed, moist skin. Treatment involves moving to a cool place to rest. Remove excess clothing and place cool cloths on skin and fan skin.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a serious illness characterized by a body temperature greater than 105 degrees. Symptoms may include dry red skin, convulsions, disorientation, delirium and coma. Onset of heat stroke can be rapid; serious symptoms can occur within minutes. Treatment involves the rapid lowering of body temperature by taking a cool bath or applying wet towels to the body. Keep victims of heat stroke in a cool area and call 911 immediately.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat stroke that may develop due to a combination of several days with high temperatures and dehydration in an individual. Signs of heat exhaustion include extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea or headache. Victims may also vomit or faint. Heat exhaustion is treated with plenty of liquids and rest in a cool, shaded area.

Consider the following tips and suggestions to avoid heat-related illness, including:

• 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 face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. When outdoors, use sunscreen with a 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 information.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air-conditioning and who spend much of their time alone. For more information on how to stay safe during the heat wave and to avoid heat-related illness, review CDC's Extreme Heat guidelines.