Sacramento County Public Health reminds you to take steps to keep cool as the temperatures climb this summer. With these seasonably high temperatures expected, take precautionary steps to keep you, 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, get some relief from the heat for a couple of hours a day, and limit outside activities if 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. Avoid alcohol. Avoid hot, heavy meals.
- Limit sun exposure – When possible, stay in air conditioning on hot days. If you don’t have air conditioning, take cool showers or make arrangements to head to libraries, malls and other public spaces to keep cool.
- Check on loved ones – Be sure to check on less-mobile or older friends, family and neighbors who live alone and don’t have air conditioning.
- Clothing - Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing
- 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.
- 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 less than 10 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
Dr. Kasirye, Public Health Officer for Sacramento County, reminds everyone that it’s especially important for elderly and other at-risk individuals to take precautions to avoid heat stress. Due to age or chronic medical conditions, some do not adjust well to sudden changes in temperature or don’t recognize the danger during heat spells.
Warning signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating
- Paleness
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
Warning signs for heat stroke are severe and include:
- High body temperature
- Absence of sweating and hot red or flushed dry skin
- Rapid pulse
- Difficulty breathing
- Strange behavior/hallucinations/confusion/agitation
- Seizure
- Coma
- If you or someone you know is experiencing any severe symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.
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