National Weather Service Issues Urgent Weather Message

Excessive Heat Watch in Effect From Wednesday Morning Through Thursday Evening

Our Local Cooling Center is the Three Rivers Branch Library

The National Weather Service, Hanford, has issued an urgent weather message. An excessive heat watch in effect from Wednesday morning through Thursday evening. Dangerously hot conditions are expected, with daytime temperatures currently expected to reach up to 106 degrees in Three Rivers. Along with the daytime heat, minimal overnight temperature relief is expected.

Heat related illnesses increase significantly during  extreme heat events. Officials advise us to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. All public libraries within the county can be used as cooling centers during their regular operating hours. The Three Rivers Branch Library will be available as our local cooling center during the following hours:

Wednesday: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm

Thursday: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 7pm

Note that crafts will be available and events will be taking place at library. For more information, see the library calendar.

Tulare County HSA Guidance

Community members should protect themselves against heat-related illnesses during high heat conditions by following these recommended measures:

• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.  
• NEVER leave any person or animal in a parked vehicle. Temperatures can exceed 120 degrees within 10 minutes, even with the windows down, resulting in serious illness or death.
• Use air conditioning or spend time in air-conditioned locations like malls or libraries.
• Use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air.
• Avoid unnecessary physical activity if you are outside or in a hot building.
• Avoid going out in the heat and direct sunlight if you can, or rest often in shady areas.
• When exposed to direct sunlight, wear a head covering.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting cotton clothing.
• Eat salt-free, light, and easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salad; avoid heavy meals.
• Ask your physician if you need to make changes to daily medications when exposed to high temperatures.
• Keep electric lights down low or turned off and avoid using your oven.
• Keep shades drawn and blinds closed but windows slightly open (if you are without A/C).
• Take a cool bath or shower periodically or apply cool towels to cool down your body.
• Keep in contact with friends and family who may be at greater risk of heat illness, such as infants and young children, the elderly, and those with health risks.

Common symptoms of heat-related illnesses include:

• Profuse sweating
• Weakness       
• Dizziness
• Headache        
• Dim or blurred vision
• Cold, damp skin
• Extreme tiredness
• Nausea            
• Hot, dry skin

[SOURCE: National Weather Service, Hanford; Tulare County Library; Tulare County HSA]