News and Alerts
Posted: May 16, 2008
Contact: Mary Maddux-González, MD, MPH
Sonoma County Health Officer
(707) 565-4401
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Extreme Heat Precautions
Santa Rosa, CA - As the first heat wave hits Sonoma County this week, public health officials are urging Sonoma County residents to take precautions to prevent adverse effects of extreme heat - sustained high temperatures lasting more than three days with elevated overnight temperatures.
Last July, a 13-day heat wave in California resulted in at least 136 heat-related deaths in California. Heat-related deaths and illnesses are 100% preventable, yet many people get sick or die every year during periods of extreme heat. The Governor's Office of Emergency Services issued a "Heat Watch" May 15th through 16th for San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, Contra Costa and Santa Clara counties. "Sonoma County was not included in the State watch," explained Dr. Maddux-González, Health Officer for Sonoma County, "but the high heat levels we are experiencing today are still cause for concern, especially for children, elderly and people with mental illness and chronic disease that are most at-risk for adverse affects of heat."
Sandy Covall-Alves, Emergency Services Coordinator for Sonoma County, noted, "County officials are monitoring weather conditions daily and maintaining close communications with the State to determine if the County's emergency plan for Extreme Heat needs to be implemented." Covall-Alves continued, "This is just one of several heat waves we expect this summer, and it is important that we all learn how to prevent heat-related illness by taking necessary precautions."
People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves. The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn't enough. In such cases, a person's body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs.
Those most at-risk for heat-related illness:
- Infants and children less than four
- People older than 65
- Overweight individuals
- People that do physical work or exercise in heat
- People drinking alcohol
- People with chronic diseases or taking certain medications (e.g., medicines for high blood pressure, depression or sleeping)
- People with trouble moving around (making it difficult to seek out cool locations)
- People with memory loss or confusion, including the mentally ill
- Low income individuals who can't afford air conditioning or transportation
- Socially isolated individuals, including the homeless and people living alone
How to prevent getting sick when it gets hot:
- DRINK -- Drink plenty of cool fluids, even if you are not physically active and even if you are not thirsty. If you are physically active, drink 2-4 glasses (16-32 ounces) every hour. Check with your doctor if you are on a fluid-restricted diet. Avoid very cold liquids as they can cause stomach cramps. Avoid liquids with alcohol, caffeine, and large amounts of sugar as these actually increase the loss of body fluid. Drinking fruit juice and sports beverages help replace necessary salt and minerals lost from the body through sweating.
- DRESS - Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Add a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) if headed outdoors.
- DECREASE - Limit physical activity and stay indoors in an air-conditioned space (home, shopping mall, library). During an extreme heat wave, listen to the radio to hear where emergency places to get cool are being set up. Electric fans will not prevent heat-related illness when the temperature climbs into the high 90s.
- DEFEND - If working outside in the heat, monitor coworkers and have them do the same for you. Check on the elderly at least twice a day. Check infants and children frequently. Check on those who are overweight or who are ill.
- DEMONSTRATE - Demonstrate common sense. Avoid hot foods and heavy meals. Make sure animals and pets have plenty of fresh water and shade. Consider bringing pets inside and consider wetting down outside animals.
- Do NOT leave people or pets in a parked car for any length of time for any reason.
For more information about Extreme Heat, signs and symptoms of heat-related illness, visit these websites: