The County has issued an extreme heat advisory due to high temperatures. Residents should take precautions to prevent heat-related illness. Most vulnerable are the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, the homeless or poor, and people with a chronic medical condition. Locally, air-conditioned Cooling Centers are the Twentynine Palms Senior Center, the Hi-Desert Medical Center cafeteria, the Joshua Tree Community Center, Bellfield Hall in Landers, and the Yucca Valley Community Center. Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Limit outdoor activity and avoid direct sunlight. Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature. Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors. Drink more than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside. Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar. Make sure your family, friends, and neighbors are drinking enough water. Heat exhaustion symptoms are heavy sweating; weakness; the skin is cold, pale, and clammy; weak pulse, fainting; and vomiting. Heat stroke symptoms for body temperature above103° are hot, red, dry, or moist skin; rapid and strong pulse; and possible unconsciousness. For more information on extreme heat, go to the California Department of Public Health website.
