The Weather Service has forecast very high temperatures for the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys, where the thermometer is expected to reach 100 degrees or more in the next two days.

To provide relief from the heat for the elderly and others who face heat-related health difficulties and stress, cooling centers have been opened by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, two of them in Santa Clarita.

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The cooling center at the SCV Senior Center (22900 Market Street, Newhall, 259-9444) is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Another cooling center is the Valencia Library (23743 W. Valencia Blvd., Valencia, 259-8942), they are open Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

The Department of Public Health recommends several ways to manage the heat:

• Never leave children, elderly people, or pets alone in a parked vehicle.
• Wear light, loose fitting clothing to stay cool
• Drink water often.  Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Check on those in your neighborhood who have limited mobility.
• Stay in an air-conditioned area (a mall, park, or library) during peak heat hours
• Avoid unnecessary exposure.
• When in the sun, wear a hat with a wide brim.
• Don’t exercise vigorously outside during the hottest hours of the day.

Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps, and increased thirst.

For a list of cooling centers and additional information on heat-related illnesses and prevention, please visit the Public Health website at http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov, or call the LA County Information line at 2-1-1 from any landline or cell phone within the county.