News and Alerts
Posted: July 8, 2008
Contact: Leigh Hall, MD
Sonoma County Deputy Public Health Officer
(707) 565-4401
Extreme Heat Warning
Santa Rosa, CA - The National Weather Service has issued an "Extreme Heat Warning" for Sonoma and surrounding counties, predicting temperatures to rise into the high 90's over the next three days. The Governor's Office of Emergency Services has activated Phase II of the State's Heat Plan. This week's heat wave, the second of the season, is coupled with a decrease in air quality as smoke from area wildfires returns to Sonoma County. County health officials advise residents to take precautions to prevent illness for those sensitive to heat and smoke.
Dr. Leigh Hall, Deputy Health Officer for Sonoma County explained, "Heat and smoke can be a dangerous combination." Dr. Hall continued, "Some people are sensitive to heat, others to smoke and some to both heat and smoke." He advised, "It is important for everyone to be aware of conditions over the next few days and take simple precautions to help keep you and your family safe."
People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves. Those most at-risk for heat-related illness include:
- 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)
- Socially isolated individuals, including the homeless and people living alone
Prevention Tips to Keep from Getting Sick when it Gets Hot:
- DRINK -- Drink plenty of cool, non-alcoholic 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. Drinking fruit juice and sports drinks 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). 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.
- Smoky conditions can be hazardous for children, the elderly and individuals with heart conditions or respiratory ailments such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis. While smoke is in the air, it is best to stay indoors when possible.
- Keep windows and doors closed unless it is extremely hot.
- If you have an air conditioner, keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean.
Dr. Hall also advises individuals with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema or other lung or heart conditions to:
- Have at least a five-day supply of your medications on hand.
- Be sure your asthma management plan is current and follow it carefully during these unusually smoky conditions.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe fatigue.
These recommendations are important for not only people with chronic lung or heart disease, but also for individuals who have not previously been diagnosed with such illnesses since smoke can "unmask" or produce symptoms of such diseases.
For more information visit these websites: