As Carlsbad's weather turns from drizzle to sizzle, with temperatures increasing as the summer wears on, residents are reminded to take advantage of Cool Zones, free, air-conditioned public gathering places.
Carlsbad's Cool Zones help older adults and others keep cool and save energy costs. The sites provide an environment where people can avoid heat-related injuries and stress and share air conditioning during the heat of the day, lowering individual usage and helping to conserve energy for the whole community.
Carlsbad Cool Zone sites
• Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane, 760-602-2049
Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Avenue, 760-602-4650
Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Follow these other tips for
dealing with the heat:
• Go to a Cool Zone site on hot days.
• Slow down. Be your most physically active during the coolest part of the day, usually between 4-7 a.m. Pace yourself when engaging in physical activity.
• Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not being used, stay on the lowest floor. Keep shades down and blinds closed, but windows slightly open.
• Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools your body.
• Avoid using the oven.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's heat.
• Air out hot cars before getting into them.
• Never leave children or pets inside vehicles at any time, even with the windows cracked. Temperatures inside a vehicle can reach lethal levels no matter what the weather is like.
• Drink more fluids than usual even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine; they make the heat's effects on your body worse.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increases metabolic heat.
• Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• If you take diuretics, ask your physician about a lower dosage during hot weather.
• If it is safe to do so, leave windows open at night. Open windows on two sides to create cross ventilation.
• Vacuum, clean or replace air filters regularly for maximum cooling efficiency.
• If affordable, install outdoor awnings or sunscreens.
• Call your physician if you feel you may be experiencing a heat-related illness.
Carlsbad's Cool Zones help older adults and others keep cool and save energy costs. The sites provide an environment where people can avoid heat-related injuries and stress and share air conditioning during the heat of the day, lowering individual usage and helping to conserve energy for the whole community.
Carlsbad Cool Zone sites
• Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane, 760-602-2049
Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Avenue, 760-602-4650
Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Follow these other tips for
dealing with the heat:
• Go to a Cool Zone site on hot days.
• Slow down. Be your most physically active during the coolest part of the day, usually between 4-7 a.m. Pace yourself when engaging in physical activity.
• Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not being used, stay on the lowest floor. Keep shades down and blinds closed, but windows slightly open.
• Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools your body.
• Avoid using the oven.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's heat.
• Air out hot cars before getting into them.
• Never leave children or pets inside vehicles at any time, even with the windows cracked. Temperatures inside a vehicle can reach lethal levels no matter what the weather is like.
• Drink more fluids than usual even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine; they make the heat's effects on your body worse.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increases metabolic heat.
• Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• If you take diuretics, ask your physician about a lower dosage during hot weather.
• If it is safe to do so, leave windows open at night. Open windows on two sides to create cross ventilation.
• Vacuum, clean or replace air filters regularly for maximum cooling efficiency.
• If affordable, install outdoor awnings or sunscreens.
• Call your physician if you feel you may be experiencing a heat-related illness.