BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — It’s triple-digit weather once again. Two separate waves of temperature hikes begin Thursday and will carry into next week. 

Though not record breaking, the change will certainly be felt.

“Enjoy this heat, before it gets real hot,” said Omero Rodriguez, a local resident.

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Rodriguez and his family, like others, is at one of Bakersfield’s spray parks with the kiddos, particularly enjoying their time.

“Real excited, especially when I’m the one stuck barbecuing in the heat while they get wet. That turns out good for them,” said Rodriguez.

Closed Mondays, but open every other day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., spray parks are a great way to cool down. But they should also be used with caution.

“I encourage them, take breaks, they can’t be out there in the direct sun for too long. Take breaks, maybe be out there for about 10 minutes and come back, get underneath the shade, sit down, and then go back out there,” said Rodriguez.

It’s a fun, cost free way to stay cool, a good alternative to swimming pools.

“Some people unfortunately don’t have the funds to pay for that, but right here it’s free. Bring your lawn chairs, barbeque and everything, enjoy the weather, get out of the house, have fun,” said Rodriguez.

Staying cool is just as important as staying safe.

“A lot of people go to the river or to Lake Ming, Hart Park, things like that. If you’re going to be out by the water, keep an eye on the kids, especially Kern River. It’s much more dangerous than it appears,” said Battalion Chief Alexander Clark with the Bakersfield Fire Department.

Minimizing fires and keeping your house safe are also things to keep in mind.

“Keeping dry materials away, cleaning up the gutters around the house, removing materials that can burn easily — that’s the biggest thing,” said Clark.

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While outside, profuse sweating and even no sweating are signs of heat exhaustion and heat strokes.

Dialing 911, but also knowing how to react, can save lives.

“Ice packs under the arms, behind the neck, on the forehead, in between the legs — that’s the area you can cool yourself the quickest,” said Clark.

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