Cooling centers available to help beat the heat

With excessive heat in the forecast for Thursday and Friday and continued high temperatures through the weekend, the City is encouraging residents to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses. The Mission Viejo Library at 100 Civic Center; Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way; and Marguerite Tennis Pavilion at 27474 Casta Del Sol all serve as comfortable cooling centers for folks to beat the heat.

To stay safe during extreme heat, remember the following tips:

· If you do not have air conditioning, consider places you can go to stay cool including the library, mall and movie theater.

· Don't forget your pets! Ensure they have enough water and a cool space as well.

· Drink plenty of water.

· Never leave anyone including children and pets in enclosed vehicles.

· Check on the young, elderly and people with medical issues as they are more likely to be impacted by the heat.

· Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.

· Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day.

Recognizing heat-related emergencies:

· Heat cramps - Muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are often the first signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.

· Heat exhaustion - Typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. If not treated, the victim's condition will worsen. The body temperature will keep rising and the victim may suffer heat stroke.

· Heat stroke - A life-threatening condition. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.

For library operating hours, call 949-830-7100. Information about the Norman P. Murray Center is available by calling 949-470-3062 and the Marguerite Tennis Pavilion can be reached at 949-859-4348.

You can also beat the heat by visiting the recreation center pools at Montanoso and Sierra Recreation Centers. Visit the recreation website for day-use and monthly pass pricing information.

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