Residents find ways to beat the heat
By Nancy Needham  nancy@theacorn.com

High temperatures in Thousand Oaks can cause vulnerable people throughout the community to suffer from heat-related illnesses if they're not careful.

Those times when temperatures don't drop below 80 degrees at night are of greatest concern, said Dr. Robert Levin, health officer for Ventura County,

"The most important step to be taken is for people to get to a cool place," Levin said.

"Children and the elderly are most susceptible to heatstroke," Levin said.

Still, everyone should be aware of cooler options and should follow certain precautions.

Going to the movies, mall, library, senior center or other places that are air-conditioned is a good idea, Levin said.

The Grant Brimhall/Thousand Oaks Library keeps its thermostat at 76 degrees, said Kristyne Moulton, reference librarian.

That may not be the coolest place in town, but Moulton sees many more library patrons come in and stay longer on hot days, she said.

The Janss Marketplace Mann movie theater keeps the temperature in the low 70s. Add a cool drink and it's a good place to beat the heat. One might even need a sweater.

The Oaks mall also sees an increase in customers on hot days. After the large, soft sofas are installed throughout the shopping area as part of the mall's remodel, seniors and others will find more places to sit and avoid the heat. Ice cream, lemonade and other cooling treats are available from the food court area.

Someone with air conditioning could invite someone without it to come over when it's hot. A cool room, a TV with "Oprah" could, perhaps, save a life.

"Older, sick or frail people should be checked on at least twice a day," Levin said.

Maureen Symonds, Senior Concerns adult day-care manager, agreed. Senior Concerns would help out in an emergency if someone learns of a fragile senior in the area who is suffering from the extreme heat because they have no air conditioning and nowhere else to go, she said.

It shouldn't come to that if people in the community think ahead and have a plan to beat the heat and take care of each other.

Everyone should drink lots of nonalcoholic fluids to stay hydrated.

When it's warm, no person or pet should ever be left in a vehicle, even for just a short amount of time, Levin said.

"Temperatures quickly rise to life-threatening levels--even if the windows are partially open," he said.

It's also important to remember fans don't work when it is 90 degrees or hotter, he said.

Having a fan blowing hot air can actually make a person's body temperature increase. It's better for an individual not to have a fan blowing when it's that hot.

If a person must stay home on a very hot day, a cool bath or shower can lower the body's temperature. Afterwards, dressing in loose-fitting, light-colored clothing is recommended for keeping cool. Then, one should stay indoors or in the shade. Outside activity should be limited to morning or evening hours.

It's also a good idea to eat small amounts of light foods throughout the day: Fruits or salads are easier to digest than heavy, hot or spicy foods.

Another idea is to call the Ventura County 211 Info Line by dialing 211 for suggestions on where to go to beat the heat.

Levin said he's not aware of any heat-related deaths in Thousand Oaks.

"A nice conclusion would be that the community takes care of each other," he said.