Body of News Release
En Español: Prepárese para el Calor Extremo Hoy y Mañana
San Rafael, CA – Marin County residents should prepare for an upcoming heat wave, with temperatures expected to rise significantly in the coming days. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an extreme heat warning for inland areas of the Bay Area, the Central Coast, and San Francisco, effective through 11 p.m. Thursday, October 3.
The community is advised to prepare for heat-related illnesses, injuries, and other climate-related hazards like power outages during this prolonged extreme heat event. The populations most at-risk of facing heat-related illness and injury include children, older adults, people experiencing homelessness, individuals with pre-existing conditions, indoor and outdoor workers, emergency responders, low-income communities, pregnant individuals, and athletes.
The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Marin County Free Library are coordinating with the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to activate cooling centers throughout the county now that the National Weather Service increased the heat index to "extreme."
OEM and HHS advise residents to prepare for excessive heat by planning ahead. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed. Learn more about how to prepare for extreme heat and power outages at ReadyMarin.com and stay updated by visiting the County’s Emergency Portal.
Plan Ahead
- Plan ahead and check the weather forecast to prepare for hot days.
- Prepare for power outages during heat events.
Cooling Centers
With the hottest conditions expected in the inland areas of Marin, the following cooling centers are open Wednesday, October 2:
- Fairfax Library: 9 AM to 8 PM
- Bolinas Library: 10 AM to 6 PM
- Civic Center Library: 9 AM to 6 PM
- Marin City Library: 10 AM to 8 PM
- Novato Library: 9 AM to 8 PM
- South Novato Library: 11 AM to 7 PM
- San Geronimo Valley Community Center: 10 AM to 5 PM
- Mill Valley Community Center: 8:30 AM to 7 PM (Pets on leash, in appropriate carriers, and under control are welcome)
For updates, check the OEM Emergency Portal.
Other Ways to Stay Cool
- Plan outdoor activities before noon or in the evening.
- Stay indoors as much as possible, limit sun exposure.
- Take cool baths or showers.
- Draw curtains over windows to limit direct sunlight indoors.
- Place a damp towel around your shoulders to reduce body heat.
- If needed, go to a cool place such as a mall or library for relief from heat.
Stay Hydrated
- Drink more fluids than usual, even if you don’t feel thirsty (consult your health care provider if you’re on a fluid restricted diet).
- Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine: they increase the heat’s effects on your body.
Look After Each Other
- Have a buddy system: During a heat wave, check on medically vulnerable family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.
- Monitor local news for the latest information on the weather forecast.
- Follow these tips on handling hot weather.
- Consult PG&E’s guide for keeping homes cool and creating a more energy efficient home.
Warning Signs of Heat Problems
Heat Cramps: These are painful, involuntary muscle spasms that usually occur during heavy exercise in the heat. If you suspect heat cramps, rest, cool down, and hydrate with an electrolyte-containing sports drink. Call your health care provider if your cramps don't go away within one hour or so.
Heat Exhaustion: This is a condition that happens when your body overheats. Symptoms may include thirst, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, heavy sweating, and a rapid pulse. If you think you have heat exhaustion: stop all activity and rest; move to a cooler place; drink cool water or sports drinks. Contact your health care provider if your symptoms get worse or they don't improve within one hour. If you're with someone who has heat exhaustion, seek immediate medical help if they become confused or distressed, lose consciousness, or are unable to drink.
Heat Stroke: This most serious form of heat injury, heat stroke, can occur if your body temperature rises to 104° F (40° C) or higher. Heat stroke requires emergency treatment. Signs and symptoms include altered mental state or behavior, alteration in sweating, hot and dry or flushed skin, nausea, and vomiting, rapid breathing, racing heart rate, and headache. If you think a person may be experiencing heat stroke, seek immediate medical help. Call 911 and take immediate action to cool the overheated person while waiting for emergency treatment.