Sacramento County Public Health reminds you to take steps to keep cool as the temperatures begin to climb. 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, avoid spending time outside, especially during the hottest part of the day, and limit outside activities as much as 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 freeze a wet cloth to wipe down your head and neck.
- Check on loved ones – Be sure to check on less-mobile or older friends, family and neighbors who live alone, don’t have air conditioning or are hesitent to use their air conditioner.
- Clothing - Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing
- 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. Do not exercise outside during the hottest part of the day.
- 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 fewer than 10 minutes.
- 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.
- 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, Health Officer for Sacramento County, would like to share a reminder that it’s especially important for our seniors and other at-risk individuals to take precautions to avoid heat stress as they may not adjust well to these sudden changes in temperature. They also are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that makes them more prone to complications due to heat stress. Because of this, Social Workers with the Senior and Adult Services division regularly monitor their clients 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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