National Weather Service Sacramento has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for portions of Nevada County beginning Friday at noon through Monday evening. Higher temperatures can be dangerous for all people but especially the very young, senior citizens, and those with chronic medical conditions.

Nevada County’s Office of Emergency Services partners with Nevada County Public Health to review our plans for Excessive Heat Emergencies during high-heat events. Nevada County’s Department of Social Services will activate Cooling Centers for residents when overnight recovery temperatures don’t go below 75 degrees and humidity is high.

Beat the Heat at Cooling Centers this Weekend

As temperatures begin to climb on Friday, residents can beat the heat in cool public places, like your local Nevada County Library branch, grocery stores, or movie theaters. The Grass Valley Library, Madelyn Helling Library (Nevada City), and Penn Valley Library are open until 5:00 pm on Friday. 

Cooling Centers will open at the Grass Valley and Penn Valley libraries from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Air-conditioned space, water, and snacks will be available. Well-behaved pets on a leash will be allowed, and both locations are ADA accessible. Library desk services will not be available during the Cooling Center hours, but residents can access the Wi-Fi and look at the materials while using the space. Before entering, County staff will conduct a COVID-19 screening, and masks will be required at all times under the California Department of Public Health’s face covering guidance. 

Over the weekend, County staff will continue to monitor the weather predictions and assess if additional Cooling Center days are needed.

Tips for Hot Weather

  • Remain hydrated by drinking water before, during, and after outdoor activities.
  • Take frequent breaks while working or playing outdoors.
  • Wear loose-fitting, light clothing; wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover the face, ears, and neck if you’ll be outside.
  • Apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) 15 minutes before going outdoors and re-apply at least every two hours.
  • Drink plenty of fluids but avoid beverages that have caffeine or alcohol.
  • Plan strenuous outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day; limit time outside during peak heat.
  • Pace physical activities, starting slowly and picking up the pace gradually.
  • Wear sunglasses that provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Chronic exposure to the sun can cause cataracts.
  • Check on frail, elderly, or home-bound individuals to ensure they are not affected by the heat.
  • Move to a cooler location at the first sign of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps); rest and slowly drink a cool liquid.
  • Never leave a child or pet in a parked car or asleep in the direct sunlight.
  • Take care of pets! Make sure they have plenty of shade and water to drink. Don’t leave your pets in the car unattended during hot weather and walk dogs when the temperature is cooler; asphalt can be over 50 degrees hotter than the outdoor temperature.

* If your doctor limits the amount of fluid you drink or take water pills, ask them how much you should drink when the weather is hot.

Helpful Links: