The heat has hit! With the rising temperatures, Sacramento County reminds you take steps to keep cool. Keep in mind that along with your family, neighbors and pets, remember to also 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 if possible limit outside activities to the coolest parts of the day. Allowing the body to cool down just a few hours a day will help you to tolerate the heat better for the rest of the day.
The Sacramento County Public Health Officer, Dr. Kasirye, says to seek out places to cool down, such as shopping malls, community centers, public libraries, coffee shops and friends' homes. During heat spells, Social Workers with the Department of Health and Human Services in the Senior and Adult Services section regularly monitor their clients.
"Elderly and other at-risk individuals with chronic medical conditions are most susceptible to the effects of heat and are less able to adjust to sudden changes in temperature. If you have family members who are elderly or have neighbors with mobility issues, ensure they are taking precautions to avoid heat stress," said Dr. Kasirye.
Tips for Beating the Heat:
- Drink plenty of water
- Take cool showers to lower your body temperature
- Limit your exposure to the sun – stay indoors where it is air-conditioned or go a public place that is air conditioned
- Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing
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
- Disorientation
- Seizure
- Coma
About your Pets:
- Cats and dogs do not have the ability to sweat; they cool their bodies off by panting and through the pads of their feet, so when the weather is extremely hot it is much harder for your pet to cool off.
- Never leave your pet in a parked car: Within 10 minutes the vehicle's temperature can jump 20 degrees and continue to climb. Even cracking a window won't protect your pets. It is against the law in California and could be punishable by a fine.
- Avoid extreme heat: When temperatures get above the 90s, take your pet inside. For outdoor pets, be sure to provide them with plenty of fresh, cold water in a tip-proof water dish and shade for them to cool down.
- Don't exercise with your pets when it is hot: Older and certain long-haired dogs can be particularly susceptible to heat, and hot asphalt can burn their paws. Exercise early in the morning or evenings and take water with you.
- Don't take your pets to crowded summer events: The heat, noise, and crowds can be overwhelming to your pet. It is best to leave them at home in a quiet, cool environment.
Watch Video: Demonstrates how fast temperatures can climb in a parked car.
Resources:
If you or someone you know is experiencing any severe symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.
For information about cool places to go and referrals regarding any social service need, residents can call 2-1-1.
For information about public transit, call 916-321-2877.
For Public Health information, visit www.scph.com.
Tips for dealing with heat, visit www.SacramentoReady.org
Find air quality information for the region at http://www.sparetheair.com/
