NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – In response to forecasts for excessive heat through the middle of next week throughout much of California, state emergency and public health officials are urging Californians to drink plenty of water, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and take other actions that will reduce their risk of death or heat-related illness.
The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat watch due to a prolonged period of hot temperatures for most of Lake County, beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 30, and extending through 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 3.
Temperatures could reach the 105 to 112 degree range, officials said.
“Prolonged exposure to excessive temperatures can be extremely dangerous, if not deadly, particularly for infants, small children seniors and those with health problems,” said Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health. “Last year was the hottest year on record in the United States. Heat waves in California are projected to occur earlier in the season, be more intense and last longer.”
He noted that at on average heat-related emergencies cause 56 deaths in Californians each year and prompt 3,800 people to seek treatment at hospital emergency rooms for heat-related symptoms, with approximately 500 cases per year requiring hospitalization.
At least 136 Californians died due to illnesses prompted by the 13-day heat wave that struck the state in July 2006.
In addition, pets and livestock need special care during the heat. Make sure they have plenty of water and a cool place to rest during the day.
”Cal EMA and its partner agencies have been preparing for excessive heat in many areas of the state this summer and fall by reviewing internal procedures, updating cooling center data bases, identifying state fairgrounds and facilities that serve as cooling centers and taking other actions to help cities and counties throughout the state ensure the safety of their residents, but it’s important that every Californian who is able do the simple, but important things that can make the difference between life and death,” said California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA Secretary Mark Ghilarducci.
Key actions to take to reduce risk of heat-related death and injury include:
- Monitoring local media for the latest weather forecasts and information from local officials;
- Learning the signs of heat-related illness;
- Staying out of the sun;
- Drink plenty of liquids and reducing physical activity;
- Using air conditioning and fans or getting to a location that is air conditioned such as the mall, the theater or a designated cooling center;
- Using cool compresses, misting and baths to lower body temperatures;
- Wearing lightweight, loose fitting clothing;
- Taking shelter and breaks periodically, as well as staying hydrated, if you must work outside.
The recommendations from state emergency and health officials come as state agencies implement the “Heat Alert” phase of the state’s Contingency Plan for Excessive Heat Emergencies.
Additional information on preparing for heat-related emergencies is available at http://www.calema.ca.gov/PlanningandPreparedness/Pages/Heat.aspx , http://www.bepreparedcalifornia.ca.gov/beinformed/naturaldisasters/extremeheat/Pages/ExtremeHeat.aspx and http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/HeatIllnessInfo.html .