Beat the Heat

Tomorrow, June 21st signals the official start of summer. This is a great time to prepare your family, vulnerable people (the very young, elderly, and people with certain illnesses) and pets, for days and evenings with high and extremely high temperatures. Extreme heat can cause health problems, even death, and overuse of electricity to run air conditioners can trigger power outages. What can you do to stay comfortable this summer? Here are some tips and helpful links:

Extreme Heat Tips:

• Regularly check the internet or television for critical updates from the National Weather Service (NWS). Download smartphone weather apps or subscribe to local emergency alerts for up to date information.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Stay on the lowest floor of the house or building, out of the sunshine, if air conditioning is not available.< br />• Postpone outdoor games and activities until the coolest hours of the day or evening.
• Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, movie theaters, indoor shopping malls, and other community facilities.
• Circulating air (fans) can cool the body.
• Go to where it’s cooler-like the beach!
• Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Drink plenty of water; even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine. 
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• When outdoors, protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
• Avoid strenuous work or exercise during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat and take frequent breaks.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
• Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.
• Go to a designated “Cooling Center” if your home loses power for an extended period of time during an extreme heat wave.

Helpful internet links:
Designated Ventura County Cooling Centers: http://www.readyventuracounty.org/images/Ventura-County-Operation-Area-Cooling-Centers-2017.pdf 
Ready Ventura County: http://www.readyventuracounty.org/before-and-during-heat 
Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/heat-wave
FEMA: https://www.ready.gov/heat 
National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html
Human Society: http://w ww.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/pets_safe_heat_wave.html