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Heat Emergencies

Heat-related emergencies are preventable, yet annually many people succumb to extreme heat. The heat wave of July 2006 caused at least 136 deaths in California over a 13 day period. Even in Sonoma County, temperatures reached dangerous levels for several days.

The possibility of hotter and hotter summers has made it essential to plan for heat emergencies. The Sonoma County Department of Health Services has established an "Excessive Heat Task Force" that meets regularly to plan public information campaigns, education to health care providers, notification and monitoring of vulnerable populations and identification of places where the public can seek cooling during excessive heat.

The resources provided on this webpage can help local community members, health providers, and agencies be aware of heat emergency symptoms, understand who is at greatest risk, and know what actions can be taken to prevent a heat-related illness or death.

For the Community

Be Prepared for the Summer Heat (en Español)
Source: Sonoma County Department of Health Services.

Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety
Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What is Extreme Heat?
Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness
Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Are You Ready for a Heat Wave? (pdf)
Source: American Red Cross.

Preventing Summer Heath Injuries (pdf)
Source: California Emergency Preparedness Office.

How to Treat a Heat Emergency
Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Heat Stress in the Elderly
Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Handout for Employees "Protect Yourself from Heat Illness" (English/Spanish) (pdf)
Source: California Dept. of Industrial Relations, Division of Occupational Safety and Health.

Handout for Employers "Protecting Workers From Heat Stress" (pdf)
Source: California Dept. of Industrial Relations, Division of Occupational Safety and Health.

Ask A Nurse
Use this email form to ask a Sonoma County public health nurse your question about heat emergencies.

For Health Providers

Heat Emergencies: Vulnerable Populations
Source: California Emergency Medical Services Authority.

How to Treat a Heat Emergency
Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency.

MMWR Articles About Heat-related Illness
Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Excessive Heat Events Guidebook
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Contingency Plan for Excessive Heat Emergencies (pdf)
Source: California Office of Emergency Services.

For Agencies