By: Brenda Archer, City of Davis.

[NOTE: Forecasts currently show excessive heat and tempteratures above 100-degrees through Wendesday, July 10]

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for the Sacramento Valley from June 30 through July 2. It is predicted that during this timeframe temperatures will be above 100 degrees in the daytime and in the low 60s in the evening. 

Places to Stay Cool: A great way to beat the heat is to stay indoors or move to a cooler location. Here are some locations to consider for residents or those in need. 

• FREE! Mary L Stephens Davis Branch Library: 315 E. 14th Street
  • Monday: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Tuesday –Thursday: 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Friday – Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Sunday: 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• FREE! Davis Respite Center: 530 L Street
  The Respite Center provides a safe, temperature-controlled, secure and welcoming space where individuals can access basic needs resources and services, including: individualized case management, permanent housing plans for willing participants, service coordination with community partners, restrooms, showers, laundry, food, rest areas, storage lockers, pet kennels, bicycle parking and more.
  • Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Saturday: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• FREE! Davis Senior Center: 646 A Street
  • Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Manor Pool: Located at 1525 Tulip Lane
  • Recreational swimming; $6 daily entrance fee for ages 3 years and older
  • Monday – Friday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Monday & Wednesday (additional hours): 7:15 p.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Saturday – Sunday: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
• Arroyo Pool: 2000 Shasta Drive
  • Recreational swimming; $6 daily entrance fee for ages 3 years and older
  • Monday – Friday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday & Thursday (additional hours): 7:15 p.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Saturday – Sunday: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Pre-registration for recreational swimming is available at: https://www.cityofdavis.org/recswimming. Walk-up patrons are admitted on a first come, first served basis. A limited number of free pool passes will be available at Manor and Arroyo Pool for community members who need financial assistance. Please check-in with the cashier to see if a subsidized pool pass is available.

Prepare for the Heat: With the heat comes a critical need to recognize the signs of heat illness. Please take measures to protect yourself, your pets and your neighbors. 

• Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool.
• If you plan to be camping or at outdoor events, try to find shade and pack extra water.
• Stay cool indoors in air-conditioned facilities, especially during the hottest part of the day.
• Pace yourself and avoid heavy exertion in the heat.
• Wear lightweight, loose fitting clothing, a broad-brimmed hat and sunscreen.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades or awnings.
• Avoid hot and salty foods and limit alcoholic beverages.
• Never leave a person or animal in a parked car. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach dangerous levels quickly.
• Don’t forget about pets and livestock; they also need extra water and shade.
• Check on family members, seniors, friends and neighbors who may need assistance.

Heat Related Illnesses: Learn the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and what to do if you or someone you know shows signs.

• Heat Cramps are muscular pains and spasms caused by heavy exertion. Symptoms are abdominal and leg muscle pain. If symptoms occur, stop physical activity and move to a cool place and drink water. Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or perform gentle massages to relieve cramping.
• Heat Exhaustion usually occurs when people exercise too heavily or work in warm, humid places where body fluids are lost. Symptoms include cold, pale and clammy skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or exhaustion. If symptoms occur, move to a cool place, drink water and loosen clothes. 
• Heat Stroke is also known as sunstroke, which can be life threatening. Symptoms include a high body temperature (103 degrees F or higher), hot, red, dry or damp skin, a fast, strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion or losing consciousness. Death may result if not cooled quickly. If symptoms occur, move the person to a cooler place immediately and lower temperature with cool cloths or a bath. Seek medical attention if necessary.

The City will continue to monitor the weather and assess whether a cooling center needs to be opened.