Extremely hot weather can result in heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn, heat rash, and in some instances death. Please take safety measures to stay safe and lend a helping hand to family, friends and neighbors. If you know of a vulnerable person without air conditioning, such as an elderly or infirm neighbor or someone with a drug or alcohol disorder or severe mental illness, please help them get to an air conditioned space between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. If you see someone on the street who may be having a life-threatening reaction to the heat, please call 911. Thank you for doing your part to keep people safe during a heat crisis.
Hot weather safety tips
- Drink plenty of water: Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty, and avoid alcohol, caffeine or lots of sugar because they will speed up fluid loss
- Limit physical activity: Avoid physical activity during the hottest time of the day, generally 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Never leave people or pets in a closed, parked car
- Stay in air-conditioned areas, whenever possible
- Cool off by taking a bath or shower: Cool, plain water baths or moist towels work best
- Wear cool clothing: Lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting cotton clothing can help you keep cool
- Do not bundle babies: Babies do not handle heat well because their sweat glands are not fully developed, so do not put them in blankets or heavy clothing
- Cover your head: Wear a wide-brimmed, vented hat or use an umbrella when outdoors because your head absorbs heat easily
- Wear sunglasses and sunscreen: Use sunscreen with higher SPF when outdoors
- Rest often in shady areas: Find shady places to cool down when outdoors
- Check on frail or elderly family, friends, or neighbors often
Older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions
- During peak heat hours stay in an air-conditioned area, whenever possible
- Older adults and those on certain medications may not exhibit signs of dehydration until several hours after dehydration sets in. Stay hydrated by frequently drinking cool water. If you’re on a special diet that limits liquids, check with your doctor for information on the amount of water to consume.
- Stay out of the sun if you do not need to be in it. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, and loose-fitting, light-colored clothing with long sleeves and pants to protect against sun damage. And remember to use sun screen and to wear sunglasses.
Infants and children
- It is illegal to leave an infant or child unattended in a vehicle (California Vehicle Code Section 15620)
- Infants and young children can get dehydrated very quickly. Make sure they are given plenty of cool water to drink
- Keep children indoors or shaded as much as possible
- Dress children in loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing