Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance (DHA) is activating its severe weather sheltering program beginning Friday, July 9 and continuing through Monday evening, July 12, ahead of extreme heat forecasted over the weekend and into next week.
With temperatures projected to be over 100 degrees beginning today, DHA staff in conjunction with homeless outreach partners began actively issuing motel vouchers to highly vulnerable unsheltered persons yesterday. The respite shelter program will remain active until Tuesday morning when temperatures are projected to drop measurably.
Participants in the weather respite sheltering program will work with their referring party on transportation to and from the motel and are allowed to bring partners, pets and possessions with them for the duration of their stay. Capacity will depend on motel room availability at the County’s partner motels.
In addition to the motel voucher respite program, the Department of Human Assistance will keep five service center locations open after business hours and through the weekend to provide relief from the heat. All community members are welcome. Protective facial coverings will be required and provided to all visitors that do not have them. Pets are welcome, but must be on a leash or contained in an animal carrier at all times.
The dates and extended hours begin this Friday, July 9, and continue daily from 2 – 8 p.m. through Monday evening (including Saturday and Sunday) at the following locations:
- 1725 28th St, Sacramento, CA 95816 Map to this site
- 2700 Fulton Ave. Sacramento CA 95821 Map to this site
- 5747 Watt Ave. North Highlands, CA 95660 Map to this site
- 2450 Florin Road, Sacramento CA 95822 Map to this site
- 3960 Research Drive Sacramento, CA 95838 Map to this site
County-wide cooling center information will be current and updated day-to-day on the 2-1-1 website.
Sacramento County Public Health reminds residents to take steps to keep cool during the upcoming heat event. With these seasonably high temperatures expected, it is important that you take precautionary steps to keep yourself, your family, your neighbors and your pets cool, and remember to check on seniors and those with mobility issues at least twice a day.
Tips for Beating the Heat
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of cool water. Avoid alcohol. Avoid hot, heavy meals.
- Limit sun exposure – When possible, stay in air conditioning on hot days. If you don’t have air conditioning, take cool showers or freeze a wet cloth to wipe down your head and neck. Visit cool spaces such as libraries or available cooling centers to respite from the sun and heat.
- Check on loved ones – Be sure to check on less-mobile or older friends, family and neighbors who live alone, don’t have air conditioning or are hesitant to use their air conditioner.
- Clothing – Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing
- Avoid the hottest part of the day – If you have to be outside, try to stick to the cooler morning and evening hours. Wear light, loose clothing and take frequent, shaded or air-conditioned breaks. Do not exercise outside during the hottest part of the day.
- Beware of hot cars – Never leave a person or a pet in a parked car, even for a short time. On a mild 80-degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 100-degrees in fewer than 10 minutes.
- Keep your pets cool – Give your pets plenty of fresh, clean water. Don’t exercise your pets in high temperatures or when the pavement is hot. Make sure they have a shady place to get out of the sun or bring them indoors.
- Sunscreen – Protect your skin against cancer, burns and skin damage by using SPF 30 or higher.
- Stay informed – Watch your local weather forecasts so you can plan outdoor activities safely and pay attention to any extreme heat alerts.
- Know your medication risk – Some medications can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature. During hot and humid weather, individuals taking medications can be at increased risk of developing excessive body temperature, or hyperthermia.
Don’t get caught unprepared as temperatures climb into the triple digits. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness and learn to respond if you or a loved one are experiencing severe heat-related illness by checking out our Hot Weather Tips news release.
