With temperatures forecasted to reach the triple digits through the weekend and linger into next week, residents should take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.
In response to the hot weather, the City has activated two cooling centers at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center and the Mission Viejo Library.
Both are comfortable facilities for residents to beat the heat.
The Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center at 24932 Veterans Way is open tonight until 7 p.m.; Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
During the week, the facility is generally open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. but the hours are subject to change based on facility programming.
The Mission Viejo Library at 100 Civic Center is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, 10a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
The City of Mission Viejo encourages residents to remember the following tips to prevent heat-related illnesses:
• Never leave infants, children or the frail elderly unattended in a parked car.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
• Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. Use a hat and sunscreen as needed.
• Drink fruit juice or a sports beverage to replace salts and minerals lost during heavy sweating.
• During the hottest parts of the day, keep physical activities to a minimum and stay indoors in air-conditioning and out of the sun.
• Use fans as needed.
• Open windows to allow fresh air to circulate when appropriate.
• Use cool compresses, misting, showers and baths.
• Avoid hot foods and heavy meals—they add heat to the body. Eat frozen treats.
For more information on heat-related illnesses, visit http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/.
