Extreme Heat
When weather changes with extreme temperatures, know how to prepare, keep hydrated and cool, and know the signs of Heat-related Illness (HRI) to keep you and your family safe and healthy.
Preventing Heat-related Illness (HRI)
- Stay indoors if possible: If your home does not have air conditioning, go to a shopping mall or public library during very hot days. Dial 211 and ask for Cooling Centers in your area. If "211" does not exist call your local fire or health department.
- Drink more fluids: Regardless of your activity level, drink more liquids such as hydration drinks that help to replace electrolytes (no caffeine, alcohol, or sweetened drinks). If your doctor limits the amount of fluid you drink or you are on water pills, ask how much you should drink when the weather is hot.
- Dress for the heat: Wear light-colored, light weight, loose fitting clothes. Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella while in the sun. Remember sunscreen & sunglasses!
- Elderly & Infants: Infants, young children, & the elderly are more vulnerable & require frequent monitoring for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Remember your pets: Always provide a source of water & a cool place for your pet. Never leave your pet in a car, even with open windows.
- NEVER leave a child, elderly person, or pet alone in a car.
Cooling Centers
When weather becomes extremely hot and health officials warn of high temperatures, cooling centers are opened to provide those who do not have air-conditioned homes with a cooled shelter. Remember to never leave children, elderly or pets alone inside a non-air-conditioned home or alone in a vehicle ever. When temperatures are high it is recommended to try to stay indoors, in your home or air-conditioned shopping mall, department store, etc.
For that outdoors during a heat wave, it is advisable to reduce physical activity, try to avoid the sun between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, light-colored breathable (not cotton) clothing, wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more and stay hydrated by drinking water (not sweetened or caffeinated). You can find cooling centers in the southern California area at the four links below. For other areas contact your local county health department or in many locations throughout the United States dial "211" for community service information and ask for Cooling Centers. For further information visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Extreme Heat Index.
For that outdoors during a heat wave, it is advisable to reduce physical activity, try to avoid the sun between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, light-colored breathable (not cotton) clothing, wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more and stay hydrated by drinking water (not sweetened or caffeinated). You can find cooling centers in the southern California area at the four links below. For other areas contact your local county health department or in many locations throughout the United States dial "211" for community service information and ask for Cooling Centers. For further information visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Extreme Heat Index.
Heat-related Illness (HRI), Signs and Symptoms, and First Aid
Be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat cramps, heat stroke and heat exhaustion, know what to do in case of signs of these heat-related illnesses. Information provided by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Extreme Heat Illness.
Heat Cramps
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Warning signs vary but may include:
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Heat Exhaustion
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Warning signs vary but may include:
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Heat Stroke
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Warning signs vary but may include:
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