Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance (DHA) is activating its severe weather sheltering program ahead of extreme heat forecasted for several days this week. With temperatures projected to be over 100 degrees beginning Wednesday, DHA staff in conjunction with homeless outreach partners, will be actively issuing motel vouchers beginning Tuesday to highly vulnerable unsheltered persons. The respite shelter program will remain active until Monday morning when temperatures are projected to drop measurably – both daytime and overnight.
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 must be on a leash or contained in an animal carrier at all times.
The dates and extended hours begin this Wednesday, June 16 and continue daily through Friday until 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 – 8 p.m. 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. Keep as cool and hydrated as possible; drink plenty of water, avoid spending time outside, especially during the hottest part of the day, and limit outside activities as much as possible. Cooling down a few hours a day will allow the body to recover and tolerate the heat better for the rest of the 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.
- 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.
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.
