Hot Weather Tips from Public Health

As above average temperatures are expected in Santa Barbara County through Tuesday or Wednesday, it is a good time for residents to remember precautions to prevent serious health conditions related to heat.

Hot weather can and does have serious health affects. County Health Officer, Dr. Takashi Wada notes, “Heat causes about 400 deaths per year in the United States. What’s most important is that all heat-related illnesses are preventable.”

Seniors, infants and young children, and people with chronic health conditions are most vulnerable to health problems during hot weather. For those who are not in these high risk categories, it is helpful to check on family members, neighbors, and friends during extremely hot weather.

To prevent overheating, use cool compresses, misting, showers and baths. Call 911 immediately if someone is experiencing a rapid, strong pulse, is feeling delirious, becomes unconscious or has a body temperature above 102°.

Recommendations to prevent health affects of hot weather are:

• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids

• Reduce strenuous activities

• Be less active during the hottest part of the day

• Take cool showers/baths frequently

• Wear lightweight, light colored clothing. Wear a hat when outdoors.

• Check frequently on those at high risk

• Never leave children, the elderly, or pets in enclosed automobiles even if the windows are partially open. Temperatures can quickly rise to life threatening levels.

Going to an air conditioned environment is often the best option and there are a number of public places with air conditioning where people can go to cool off during the day. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to a store, shopping mall, library or other place with air conditioning. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. A list of places where people can go to cool down during the hottest parts of the day is attached.

Places to Cool Down in Hot Weather Emergencies – Santa Barbara County

Santa Maria

Minami Community Center, 600 W. Enos Drive, 805‐925‐0951 x208

• Mon‐Fri: 10 am‐9:30 pm
• Sat & Sun: Closed

Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 E. Park Ave, 805‐925‐0951 x207

• Mon ‐ Fri: 9 am‐4 pm
• Sat & Sun: Closed

Atkinson Community Center, 1000 N. Railroad, 805‐928‐1802

• Mon ‐ Fri: 8:30 am‐10 pm
• Sat: 10 am‐3 pm
• Sun: hours vary; call

Guadalupe

Guadalupe Library, 4719 W. Main Street Ste. D, 805‐343‐1405

• Mon & Wed: 10 am‐6 pm
• Tues & Thurs: 11 am‐7 pm
• Sat: 12:10 pm‐5 pm
• Fri & Sun: Closed

Cuyama

Cuyama Library, 60 Newsome Street @ Hwy 166, 661‐766‐2490

• Mon: 2 pm‐6 pm
• Wed: 3 pm‐7 pm
• Fri: 3 pm‐6 pm
• Tues, Thurs, Sat & Sun: Closed

Lompoc

Lompoc Public Library, 501 E. North Avenue, 805‐736‐3477 or 875‐8775

• Mon ‐ Thurs: 12 pm‐8 pm
• Fri & Sat: 12 pm‐6 pm
• Sun: Closed

Anderson Recreation Center, 125 W. Walnut Avenue, 805‐875‐8100

• Mon ‐ Fri: 9 am‐7 pm
• Sat & Sun: Closed

Lompoc Aquatic Center, 207 W. College Avenue, 805‐875‐2782 or 875‐2700

• M‐W‐F: 5:45 am‐7:30 pm
• Tues & Thurs: 8 am‐8:30 pm
• Sat: 8 am‐6:30 pm
• Sun: 10 am – 6:30 pm

Buellton

Buellton Senior Center, 164 W. Hwy 246, 805‐688‐4571 or 688‐5073

• Mon ‐ Fri: 9 am‐4 pm
• Sat & Sun: Closed

Buellton Library, 140 W. Hwy 246, 805‐688‐3115

• Mon & Tues: 11 am‐8 pm
• Wed ‐ Fri: 10 am‐6 pm
• Sat: 12:30 pm‐5:30 pm
• Sun: Closed

Solvang

Solvang Public Library, 1745 Mission Drive, 805‐688‐4214

• Tue ‐ Thur: 10 am‐7:30 pm
• Fri & Sat: 10 am‐5:30 pm
• Sun & Mon: Closed

Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive, 805‐688‐3793

• Mon ‐ Fri: 9 am‐3 pm
• Sat & Sun: Closed

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Public Library, 40 E. Anapamu Street, 805‐962‐7653

• Mon: Closed
• Tues ‐ Thurs: 10 am‐8 pm
• Fri & Sat: 10 am‐5:30 pm
• Sun: 1 pm‐5 pm

Carpinteria

Carpinteria Public Library, Library Meeting Room, 5141 Carpinteria Avenue, 805‐684‐4314

• Tues, Thurs & Fri: 10 am‐5:30 pm
• Wed: 10 am‐7:30 pm
• Sat: 10 am‐4 pm
• Sun & Mon: Closed

Goleta

Goleta Public Library, 500 N. Fairview Avenue, 805‐964‐7878

• Mon: 12 pm‐6 pm
• Tues ‐ Thurs: 10 am‐8 pm
• Fri & Sat: 10 am‐5:30 pm
• Sun: 1 pm‐5 pm