Severe Weather Sheltering & Tips for Staying Cool

Published on June 27, 2023
Emergency Preparedness

Due to high daytime temperatures coming into the area, Sacramento County is activating its extreme weather response. The weather respite motel vouchering response and two cooling centers will be operating beginning Thursday, June 29. Motel Vouchers will be active from Thursday, June 29 with a check out of Wednesday, July 5 at 11 a.m. and cooling centers will be open at the location, date and times listed below.

Motel Voucher Activation:

In addition to two DHA sites, in coordination with the Department of Homeless Services and Housing (DHSH), the Department of Human Assistance activated the weather respite motel vouchering response. Motel sheltering will follow the same process we used during previous weather events.  Navigators will make contact with those most vulnerable experiencing homelessness to offer a motel stay and will assist in reserving the space at the motel. Participants in the weather respite sheltering program will work with their referring party on transportation to and from the motel(s) and are allowed to bring partners, pets, and a limited number of possessions with them for the duration of their stay.

Cooling Center Information: ​

All community members are welcome. Pets must be on a leash or contained in an animal carrier at all times. The Cooling Centers will operate at the following locations, dates, and hours:

1725 28th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816

  • Thursday, June 29 and Friday, June 30  - Offices are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., extended hours for weather respite are 4 to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2 from 2 to 8 p.m.
  • Monday, July 3 - Offices are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., extended hours for weather respite are 4 to 8 p.m.

5747 Watt Avenue, North Highlands, CA 95660 

  • Thursday, June 29 and Friday, June 30  - Offices are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., extended hours for weather respite are 4 to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2 from 2 to 8 p.m.
  • Monday, July 3 - Offices are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., extended hours for weather respite are 4 to 8 p.m.

2450 Florin Road, Sacramento, CA 95822

  • Thursday, June 29 and Friday, June 30  - Offices are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., extended hours for weather respite are 4 to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2 from 2 to 8 p.m.
  • Monday, July 3 - Offices are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., extended hours for weather respite are 4 to 8 p.m.

Additional Respite Centers

City of Sacramento:

  • Outreach and Engagement Center (3615 Auburn Blvd): Friday, June 30 through Monday, July 3 2 p.m. – 7 a.m., ending at 7 a.m. Monday. Accepts pets.
  • Sam & Bonnie Pannell Community Center (2450 Meadowview Rd): Friday, June 30 - Sunday, July 2 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Does not accept pets.

Rancho Cordova:

  • City Hall (2729 Prospect Park Dr, Rancho Cordova): Thursday, June 29 - Saturday, July 1 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Does not accept pets.

Citrus Heights

  • Police Station Lobby (6315 Fountain Square Dr, Citrus Heights): Thursday, June 29 - Saturday, July 1 from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. in temps above 100 degrees. Accepts pets.

Elk Grove

  • Wackford Community Center (9014 Bruceville Rd, Elk Grove): Thursday, June 29 - Saturday, July 1 from 12 – 8 p.m. Accepts pets.

Galt

  • ​Police Station Lobby (455 Industrial Dr, Galt): Thursday, June 29 - Saturday, July 1 from 2 – 10 p.m. Accepts pets.

​County-wide cooling center information will be current and updated day to day on the 2-1-1 website

Sacramento County Public Health reminds residents to take steps to keep cool during the upcoming heat event. With these seasonably high temperatures expected, it is important that you take precautionary steps to keep yourself, your family, your neighbors and your pets cool, and remember to check on seniors and those with mobility issues at least twice a day.  

Keep as cool and hydrated as possible; drink plenty of water, avoid spending time outside, especially during the hottest part of the day, and limit outside activities as much as possible. Cooling down a few hours a day will allow the body to recover and tolerate the heat better for the rest of the day.  

Tips for Beating the Heat:

  • Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of cool water and electrolyte drinks such as propel or Gatorade to replenish hydration. Avoid alcoholic beverages. 
  • Limit sun exposure – When possible, stay in air conditioning on hot days. If you don’t have air conditioning, take cool showers or freeze a wet cloth to wipe down your head and neck.
  • Check on loved ones – Be sure to check on less mobile or older friends, family and neighbors who live alone, don’t have air conditioning or are hesitant to use their air conditioner.
  • Clothing - Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing 
  • Avoid the hottest part of the day – If you have to be outside, try to stick to the cooler morning and evening hours. Wear light, loose clothing and take frequent, shaded or air-conditioned breaks.  Do not exercise outside during the hottest part of the day.
  • Beware of hot cars – Never leave a person or a pet in a parked car, even for a short time. On a mild 80-degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 100-degrees in fewer than 10 minutes.
  • Keep your pets cool – Give your pets plenty of fresh, clean water. Don’t exercise your pets in high temperatures or when the pavement is hot. Make sure they have a shady place to get out of the sun or bring them indoors.
  • Sunscreen – Protect your skin against cancer, burns and skin damage by using SPF 30 or higher.
  • Stay informed – Watch your local weather forecasts so you can plan outdoor activities safely and pay attention to any extreme heat alerts.

Please remember: Only dial 9-1-1 if you are experiencing an emergency. ​

Contact Information

Dial 2-1-1

Or email Info@211Sacramento.Org to contact a 211 Representative