AUBURN, CA (MPG) -- Placer County will open a cooling center at the Auburn Library today as California’s heat wave continues. 

The library, at 350 Nevada Street, has not yet reopened for indoor services due to the COVID-19 pandemic but will provide an air-conditioned space from noon-8 p.m. under precautions outlined by California Department of Public Health guidance. 

The City of Roseville has opened a cooling center at the Tower Theater, and the City of Rocklin has opened one at the Rocklin Police Department. 

The new 211 Placer information and referral system is also available to help connect Placer residents with social services and resources to keep them cool and safe. 

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for much of Northern California until Wednesday night. With high temperatures driving increased electricity use, California’s electric grid operator, the California Independent System Operator, has issued a statewide flex alert, calling on all Californians to voluntarily conserve energy between 3-10 p.m. through Wednesday. 

California ISO has called for rolling blackouts across the state every evening since Friday due to excessive heat driving up electricity use and putting strain on the grid. These are not public safety power shutoffs, but rotating, short-duration outages utility providers like Pacific Gas & Electric are directed to make to avoid more-widespread power outages. Placer County has not yet been affected by the blackouts but residents are encouraged to prepare for the possibility.

To help beat the heat residents should:

• Stay hydrated by regularly drinking water or other nonalcoholic beverages;
• Use home air conditioners; 
• Use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms and draw in cooler air;
• Take cool baths or showers or use cool compresses to prevent overheating;
• Minimize direct exposure to the sun;
• Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit and salads;
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes, as well as wide-brimmed hats to protect the face and neck;
• Wear sunglasses that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection;
• Apply sunscreen liberally before going outdoors;
• Check on older, sick or frail people who may need help responding to the heat;
• Know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure. Heat-related illnesses include cramps, exhaustion and heat stroke. Warning signs can include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, paleness and dizziness;
• Avoid leaving children or pets alone in cars for any amount of time; and
• Do not exercise outdoors during the hottest parts of the day.

Residents should seek medical attention if they experience rapid, strong pulses; feel delirious; or have a body temperature above 102 degrees.

Seniors are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness and may not realize when they are in danger. Certain medications, health conditions or poorer circulation can limit their ability to sweat and cool themselves effectively. Residents are encouraged to check in with the seniors in their lives and call 211 if they need any support or services. 

People in Placer County can access 211 in multiple ways:

PHONE: Dial 2-1-1 (or 1-833-DIAL211; for TTY: 1-844-521-6697) to speak with a call specialist. Language interpretation is available.
TEXT: Text your zip code to 898211. Your text plan’s rates will apply.
ONLINE: Visit 211Placer.org to access an online searchable database and to chat with or email specialists.

More heat safety tips are also available on the ReadyPlacer.org website.