Placer urges residents to stay indoors amid looming heat wave 

Published on Aug. 14, 2020

With high temperatures forecast for the coming week, Placer County Public Health is encouraging residents to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat and take proactive measures to prevent heat-related illness. 

“Excessive heat poses real dangers, especially to young children, older adults, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases or disabilities and people who are socially isolated,” said Mike Romero, Placer County public health manager. 

“In past heat spells we’ve seen very little use of our cooling centers at Placer libraries, so we feel confident we’ll be able to work directly with those who don’t have access to a cool space to find tailored solutions to keep them safe from the heat and COVID-19.”

The new 211 Placer information and referral system is online and ready to help connect Placer residents with social services and resources to keep them cool and safe.

Placer County Public Health and Office of Emergency Services will continue to monitor the weather and community needs and have plans in place to open cooling centers in compliance with prescribed state COVID-19 guidance if the need arises.

To help beat the heat residents should:

·         Stay hydrated by regularly drinking water or other nonalcoholic beverages;

·         Use home air conditioners; 

·         Use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms and draw in cooler air;

·         Take cool baths or showers or use cool compresses to prevent overheating;

·         Minimize direct exposure to the sun;

·         Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit and salads;

·         Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes, as well as wide-brimmed hats to protect the face and neck;

·         Wear sunglasses that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection;

·         Apply sunscreen liberally before going outdoors;

·         Check on older, sick or frail people who may need help responding to the heat;

·         Know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure. Heat-related illnesses include cramps, exhaustion and heat stroke. Warning signs can include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, paleness and dizziness;

·         Avoid leaving children or pets alone in cars for any amount of time; and

·         Do not exercise outdoors during the hottest parts of the day.

Residents should seek medical attention if they experience rapid, strong pulses; feel delirious; or have a body temperature above 102 degrees.

Seniors are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness and may not realize when they are in danger. Certain medications, health conditions or poorer circulation can limit their ability to sweat and cool themselves effectively. Residents are encouraged to check in with the seniors in their lives and call 211 if they need any support or services.

People in Placer County can access 211 in multiple ways:

PHONE: Dial 2-1-1 (or 1-833-DIAL211; for TTY: 1-844-521-6697) to speak with a call specialist. Language interpretation is available.
TEXT: Text your zip code to 898211. Your text plan’s rates will apply.
ONLINE: Visit 211Placer.org to access an online searchable database and to chat with or email specialists.

More heat safety tips are also available on the ReadyPlacer.org website.