SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. — During a wave of excessive heat, there's a county-wide effort to keep people from overheating or being in dangerous conditions.
Officials want people taking advantage of cooling centers before they end up in a bad situation. Sacramento County is taking it very seriously and offering places anyone can walk into and keep cool as the next several days bring brutal temperatures.
"It's summer. It's a transformation where, where it's hot, you wish it was cold," said an unhoused man who calls himself the Traveler.
Locals are preparing for a hot week as Northern California steps into triple-digit weather.
"I'm always carrying a trunk full of water, just in case. Try to make sure we usually have hats, glasses," said Lilly Chavez, who was cooling off by visiting Discovery Park.
The Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance says it can be a dangerous time.
"This week is one of probably the worst heat streaks that we've had this summer so far where we're seeing five or six days of 100-plus degree temperatures," said Janna Haynes, Department of Human Assistance spokesperson.
That can be especially true for those who are unhoused or do not have an air conditioner.
"The best thing that you can do today if you're gonna be out here, stay somewhere in the shade. It's a lot cooler, you know? Have your drinks. Yesterday, I drunk like five bottles of water. Today, I got dehydration fluid," the Traveler said.
However, for those who can't escape the heat, there are cooling centers like the one at the Department of Human Assistance Annex in downtown Sacramento.
"For people that are anywhere, whether they're unsheltered, whether they're in a house where they can't run the air conditioning, take advantage of these spaces. That's what they're here for. We specifically put them near public transportation stops if they don't have a car," Haynes said.
Haynes says there have been reports of heat-related illnesses or even death, and this is why they're working at the forefront to keep it from getting to that point.
"This is keeping me cool cause it's letting me sweat because there's a layer over top of me, you know? So, I'm good, but when I overheat, woah, this has got to go," said the Traveler.
People can call 211 or visit the 211 website for a list of places where they can go cool off. Authorities are stressing that people should reach out if they are feeling any symptoms of dizziness or feeling sick.
Here is a list of locations where you can find cooling centers in Sacramento County.
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