Heat Emergencies

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On this page:

• Before Extreme Heat: Take Protective Measures
• During a Heat Emergency: How to Prevent Heat Related Illness
• Heat Index Readings and Health Risks
• For the Community
• For Employers
• For Health Providers
• For Agencies
• Related Links

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.

Temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region and last for several weeks are defined as extreme heat. In areas with moderate temperatures like Sonoma County, even extended periods of heat above 90 degrees can pose a risk.

Periods of extreme heat push the human body beyond its limits and can result in illness or even death.

Before Extreme Heat: Take Protective Measures

• Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.
• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
• Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
• Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.)

Source: Grand Traverse County, Michigan

During a Heat Emergency: How to Prevent Heat Related Illness

• DRINK - Drink plenty of cool fluids, even if you are not physically active and even if you are not thirsty. If you are physically active, drink 2-4 glasses (16-32 ounces) every hour.
• DRESS -Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Add a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher).
• DECREASE -Limit physical activity, stay indoors in an air-conditioned space or, when available, buildings open to the public as special, "Cooling Centers." Electric fans will not prevent heat-related illness, and may actually be harmful, when the temperature climbs into the high 90s.
• DEFEND - If working outside in the heat, monitor coworkers and ask them to do the same for you. Check on the elderly at least twice a day. Check on infants and young children frequently. Check on those who are overweight, ill or who are on medication.
• DEMONSTRATE - Use common sense. Avoid hot foods or drinks and heavy meals. Make sure animals and pets have plenty of fresh water and shade. Consider bringing pets inside and consider wetting down outside animals.
• DON'T - Do NOT leave any person or pet in a parked car for any length of time for any reason.

Source: Extreme Heat, Sonoma County Department of Health Services (pdf).

Heat Index Readings and Health Risks

The heat index is how hot the heat- humidity combination makes it feel. As relative humidity increases, the air seems warmer than it actually is because the body is less able to cool itself via evaporation of perspiration. As the heat index rises, so do health risks.

Caution (80º - 90ºF): Fatigue possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.

Extreme Caution (90º - 105ºF): Sunstroke, Heat Cramps and Heat Exhaustion possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.

Danger (105º - 129ºF): Sunstroke, Heat Cramps and Heat Exhaustion likely, Heatstroke possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.

Extreme Danger (130ºF +) Heatstroke risk extremely high with continued exposure.

Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service.

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For the Community

Extreme Heat Guide (pdf)
Includes symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Source: Sonoma County Department of Health Services.

Preventing Heat Illness (pdf)
Source: Sonoma County Department of Health Services.

Heat Stress: Disabled, Older Adults and Caregivers (pdf)
Source: Sonoma County Department of Health Services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Extreme Heat
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Don't Leave Animals in Parked Cars (pdf)
Source: Sonoma County Animal Care and Control.

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

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

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For Employers

Handout for Employees "A Heat Safety Fact Sheet" English | Spanish (pdf)
Source: California Dept. of Industrial Relations, Division of Occupational Safety and Health.

Poster: Stopping for Water Keeps You Going. English | Spanish (pdf)
Source: California Dept. of Industrial Relations, Division of Occupational Safety and Health.

Cal/OSHA Website: Water. Rest. Shade.
Includes heat safety educational and training resources.

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For Health Providers

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

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For Agencies

The possibility of hotter and hotter summers has made it essential to plan for heat emergencies. The Sonoma County Department of Health Services "Excessive Heat Task Force" 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.

Extreme Heat Media Toolkit
Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Related Links

California Emergency Management Agency: Heat Emergencies

California Dept. of Industrial Relations, Division of Occupational Safety and Health: Heat Illness Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Heat Stress