You can't escape the heat in San Diego County -- no matter where you live. KPBS reporter Andrew Phelps is here with our story.
It's true. It's really hot in San Diego this week. And that can be really dangerous.
The National Weather Service says we're in the middle of a heat wave. Temperatures are reaching 80 at the beaches, 90 inland, 100 in the foothills, and 123 in the desserts.
An "excessive heat watch" is in effect. Elderly people and children are vulnerable. San Diego County helps libraries and rec centers stay cool for anyone who needs to escape the heat. Back in 2000, Anna Hennessy helped create "Cool Zones," a nationally recognized program.
Hennessy : You can take a cool shower or cool bath to reduce your body temperature. If you have a fan or if you want us to send you one. You could put a wet handkerchief, a wet cloth, around your neck. That will help cool you down. Stay hydrated. Drink water. Drink lots of fluids, but particularly water.
There are 160 places around the county designated as "Cool Zones." I went out to find one.
I'm at the Lemon Grove senior center right now. It's one of the designated "Cool Zone" sites. And there is a serious party going on inside.
I sat down with a few ladies for lunch. Kay Goff says the senior center is a great place to cool off.
Goff : For anybody -- they don't have to be a member. All they have to do is come Monday through Friday. And if they would like to stay for a movie, they're welcome. And lunch of course, every day, Monday through Friday. And it just helps keep you cool.
Imgard Vragel knows heat. She's originally from Chicago. A heat wave there in 1995 claimed at least 600 lives in a week.
Vragel : I remember what happened in Chicago. And I think that started a nationwide movement for keeping seniors places where it's cool, so that they don't suffer from the heat if they don't have air conditioning.
The county offers free fans to seniors who don't have air conditioning or anyone who can't afford it. Officials don't want to lose any lives to heat.
If you want more information, call 1-800-510-2020. Or just Google "Cool Zones." By the way, the county says no one in San Diego died during last year's heat crisis. And there are no reports of heat-related deaths so far this year.
The “Cool Zones” folks say you should drink three or four ounces of water every half-hour or so. Don't wait until you're parched and then chug a half-gallon. Drink water even if you're not thirsty.
It really is the single most helpful way to stay healthy in high heat. And definitely avoid alcohol or caffeine.
