Beating the Heat: Options for Lake County Residents

Lake County Behavioral Health Services-Operated Peer Support Centers, Library Branches Offer Great Cooling Options

Lake County, CA (August 10, 2023) – The National Weather Service’s (NWS’) Eureka Office advises increased risk of heat-related illness is expected in our region beginning Saturday, with the highest temperatures (95-105 degrees in some portions of Lake County) projected for Sunday and early next week.  With high temperatures expected to persist over much of the next week, many members of our communities will be seeking opportunities to escape the heat.

Staff from the Lake County Library system and County-operated Peer Support Centers want to ensure members of the public know their facilities’ doors are open during normal business hours; at least one facility is open each day of the week.

Shopping at local businesses and eating at local restaurants with air-conditioned facilities during the warmest hours of the day can also be great ways to support your communities while cooling off!

Stay Safe During Warm Weather!

County officials and the National Weather Service urge residents to stay safe!  

Here is some information from https://www.ready.gov/heat on recognizing the signs of heat-related illness and making safe choices during hot weather:

• Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day;
• If air conditioning is not available in your home, go to a cooled facility, like Lake County’s Library Branches and Peer Support Centers (details below);
• Take cool showers or baths; 
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing;
• Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home;
• If you’re outside, find shade and wear a hat wide enough to protect your face;
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated (don’t wait until you’re thirsty!);
• Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors during midday heat, if possible;
• Check on family members, older adults and neighbors;
• Consider pet safety – if they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade;
• Remember, asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet;
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke;
• Remember, heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1.

What are the signs of Heat Stroke, Heat Cramps and Heat Exhaustion?

Heat-related illnesses can require urgent action.  What are the signs?

Heat Stroke

Signs include:

• Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F, temperature taken orally)
• Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat;
• Rapid, strong pulse; or
• Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness

If you suspect heat stroke, call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately.  Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.  Do not give the person anything to drink.

Heat Cramps

Signs include:

• Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs

Heat Exhaustion

Signs include:

• Heavy sweating;
• Paleness; 
• Muscle cramps; 
• Tiredness;
• Weakness; 
• Fast or weak pulse; 
• Dizziness; 
• Headache; 
• Fainting, nausea, or vomiting.

If you have signs of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, go to a cooler location and cool down by removing excess clothing and taking sips of sports drinks or water.  Call your healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

Many thanks to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for developing this helpful information.  For resources on preparedness for many types of emergencies and challenging weather-related events, visit:

https://www.ready.gov/ 

Working or leading crews working outside?  Visit: https://99calor.org/ or https://99calor.org/english.html

Beating the Heat at Lake County’s Libraries and Peer Support Centers!

While none of these are formal cooling centers, and capacity is limited at each site, they are invaluable community resources, as temperatures rise.  Here is information on normal operating hours and services available at each facility.

 County Library Facilities

Lake County’s four Public Library Branches are open and accessible to all during their normal business hours.  While you cool off, check out the many new materials and digital services the Library has to offer – there is something for everyone!  Here is a list of Lake County Library locations, and their customary hours of operation:

Normal Business Hours of Lake County Library Branches:

Lakeport Library

1425 N. High Street

Lakeport, CA 95453

(707) 263-8817

Tue 10-5 | Wed 10-7 | Thu-Sat 10-5

Redbud Library (Clearlake)

14785 Burns Valley Rd

Clearlake, CA 95422

(707) 994-5115

Tue 10-5 | Wed 10-7 | Thu-Sat 10-5

Middletown Library

21256 Washington Street

Middletown, CA 95461

(707) 987-3674

Tue-Fri 10-5 | Sat 10-5

Upper Lake Library

310 Second Street

Upper Lake, CA 95485

(707) 275-2049

Tue-Fri 12-5 | Sat 10-3

Please note, all County Library branches are closed each Monday.

Peer Support Centers

Lake County Behavioral Health Services also reminds their peer support centers are open as a refuge from the heat. Each provides an air-conditioned place to sit and rest. Water and light snacks are offered to guests, and restrooms are available.  Referrals to social services can also be made.  

ALL are welcome!

Below is a list of Peer Support Centers, with their customary hours and locations:

The Big Oak Peer Support Center

13300 East Highway 20, Suite O

Clearlake Oaks

(707) 998-0310

Sunday-Saturday: 8:30-4:30

Circle of Native Minds Cultural Center

525 North Main Street

Lakeport

(707) 263-4880

M-F: 8:30-4:30

CLOSED Saturdays and Sundays

The Harbor on Main

154 South Main Street

Lakeport

(707) 994-5486

M-F: 8:30-4:30

CLOSED Saturdays and Sundays

La Voz de la Esperanza Centro Latino

14092 Lakeshore Drive

Clearlake

(707) 994-4261

M-F: 8:30-4:30

CLOSED Saturdays and Sundays

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