Experts Suggest Ways to Deal With Heat

With the National Weather Service issuing forecasts for the Independence Day weekend of temperatures into triple digits, county health experts are reminding residents to be careful this weekend.

On average, 675 people die nationwide due to extreme heat incidents, the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health said in a news release. Those especially at risk are the elderly, infants or young children and those who work outside.

It is for that reason that many city and county agencies across the region are opening their doors to places as cooling centers, to give residents a place to stay safe.

The Redlands Senior Center will be open today, with free activities for seniors looking to escape their house for someplace cool. The Loma Linda Branch Library is also a designated cool center. The library is closed Saturdays, but will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

For a complete list of local cooling centers, visit the county's 211 information center website.

The department of public health also is reminding people to stay hydrated by drinking more water than usual, and to not wait until they are thirsty. They also recommend avoiding alcohol, or drinks with excessive amounts of sugar.

If you must be outside, the recommend light-colored, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. And try to limit your time outside, especially at midday, when the weather is its hottest.

To find out more information, including what to do when some is suffering from illness due to the extreme heat, visit the Center for Disease Control's website on combatting heat illnesses.