As Turlock residents are bracing to continue enduring triple digit heat over the next several days, the Stanislaus Office of Emergency Services and the City of Turlock have partnered to keep locals safe with a number of designated “Cool Zones” throughout the city.

“If you plan to be outdoors, please be sure to protect yourself from the sun and heat,” said Mayor Gary Soiseth. “During this drought’s extreme heat conditions, it’s our City’s priority to make sure all our residents know that there are places throughout Turlock to find relief from the heat.”

“Cool Zones” are facilities that are air-conditioned and open to the public as a venue for citizens to cool off. These locations, which include air conditioned buildings or city-owned water spray parks, are predetermined within the City of Turlock.

The City of Turlock and Stanislaus OES also advise residents to stay safe in the heat with a number of tips, with the most prominent piece of advice detailing staying out of the sun if possible.

Those who need to venture outdoors in the sun, however, are advised to wear sunscreen and a hat to protect the face and head, as well as lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible.

Residents are also urged to drink fluids, especially water, even if they do not feel thirsty. Beverages containing alcohol or caffeine should be avoided.

Locals should avoid strenuous activity, particularly during the sun’s peak hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and cool down with repeated cool baths or showers.

Children, seniors or pets should never be left in parked cars during periods of intense summer heat and residents are encouraged to make an additional effort to check on neighbors, especially seniors and those with special needs.

The City of Turlock and Stanislaus OES also emphasize the need for all residents to be able to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Although body temperature will appear normal, those experiencing heat exhaustion will exhibit a number of symptoms, including heavy sweating, weakness, headache, weak pulse, dizziness, exhaustion, fainting, nausea or vomiting, and cold, clammy skin.

The American Red Cross advises individuals who encounter a victim who is experiencing heat exhaustion to get them out of the heat and into a cooler place. The individual should then remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths.

If the victim is conscious, then they should be given a half glass of cool water to drink every 15 minutes. The victim should rest in a comfortable position and the individual who is overseeing the victim should watch carefully for changes in his or her condition.

Heat stroke symptoms include flushed, hot, dry skin, weak or rapid pulse, shallow breathing, lack of sweating, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and unconsciousness. Body temperature will be elevated and the victim should receive immediate medical attention as heat stroke is a life threatening condition.

After calling 911 or a local emergency number, the American Red Cross advises individuals to move the victim to a cooler place and to quickly cool the body by immersing the victim in a cool bath or by wrapping the victim in wet sheets while fanning him or her.

Individuals should watch carefully for breathing problems and keep the victim lying down while continuing to keep them cool. If the victim refuses water, is vomiting or if there are changes in level of consciousness, individuals should not give anything to eat or drink.

“We all want a summer to remember,” said Lilly Wyatt, American Red Cross Gold Country spokesperson. “Those memories can be pleasant by following simple tips to stay cool.”