It’s hot out! Here are some extra tips and resources to help keep you and your loved ones safe during the extreme heat outside.
Extreme Heat Safety Reminders
- Fans are not enough. Try to stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces. If you don’t have air-conditioning, check the CalOES website for local cooling centers near you. You can ask your service coordinator or staff to help you find one.
- Don’t leave children, pets, or anyone in a hot car— even for a few minutes.
- Reduce use of heat-generating appliances like ovens during the hottest parts of the day.
- Check in with your support team to learn ways for staying cool.
- Ask your doctor if any medications you take increase your risk in the heat. See how this happens from Yale Climate Connections.
- Plan for power outages. If you use refrigerated medication or power equipment (like a CPAP, ventilator, or power wheelchair), talk to your service coordinator about backup power options.
- Sign up for emergency alerts with your county or local officials.
- Sign up for a medical baseline program to support power for certain medical needs.
Watch for Signs of Heat Illness
In the summer, multiple days and nights of hot weather can be very dangerous. Getting too hot can make people sick. California Department of Health recommends learning the signs and how to help someone with heat illness:
HEAT STROKE: If you have red, hot, dry skin; very high body temperature; dizziness; nausea; confusion, strange behavior, or unconsciousness; rapid pulse or a throbbing headache. Call 9 – 1 – 1.
HEAT EXHAUSTION: If you have heavy sweating, cramps, headache, nausea or vomiting, tiredness, weakness, dizziness and fainting. Move to a cool place and get medical help if vomiting or symptoms get worse or last longer than 1 hour.
Resources