Excessive heat

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