As Durham County continues to experience extreme heat, all are encouraged to take advantage of local cooling centers and recall safety guidance for protection against heat-related illnesses. Durham County Libraries are available as cooling centers at any time during their regular business hours. The nearest library location can be found using the cooling station map here. 

All are also advised to remain alert of weather forecasts and take extra precautions to protect themselves and high-risk groups during periods of extreme heat. High-risk groups include older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions.

The CDC recommends the following steps to stay safe during periods of extreme heat: 

• Wear loose-fitting clothing: Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
• Stay cool indoors: Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library—even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat
  • Keep in mind: Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, they will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.
• Schedule outdoors activities carefully: Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover.
•  Pace yourself: Cut down on exercise during the heat. If you’re not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity.
• Wear sunscreen: If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out. 
• Do not leave children in cars: Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window cracked open. While anyone left in a parked car is at risk, children are especially at risk of getting a heat stroke or dying....Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.
• Drink plenty of fluids: Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.

It is also important to be aware of signs and symptoms of heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or other heat-related illness. These symptoms include, high body temperature, headache, dizziness, fast pulse, heavy sweating, fainting, and more. If experiencing these symptoms, move to a cooler location and follow guidance for getting medical attention. For a full list of symptoms and how to respond, visit the CDC's website here. 

For more information about extreme heat, visit the CDC's website here.