County residents are urged to stay safe during the heat wave

San Bernardino County Health Officer Dr. Michael Sequeira issued a heat advisory on Tuesday as extreme heat is expected to continue through the week.

“The heat can pose significant health risks, and it is crucial for individuals to be aware of these risks and take necessary precautions. Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, can be life-threatening, especially for vulnerable populations,” Sequeira said. “By staying cool, staying hydrated and staying informed, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the dangers of extreme heat. Summer heat awareness is not just about comfort; it is a matter of public health and safety.”

Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States. The National Weather Service heat index criteria helps the public prepare for hot weather and prevent the heat from becoming a “silent killer.”

The Department of Public Health offers information for coping with sweltering temperatures on its extreme heat website and urges residents to heed the following advice:

Tips for staying cool

Stay in air-conditioned buildings. Find an air-conditioned cool location open to the public by visiting San Bernardino County Cool Places to Go or by dialing the United Way’s toll-free resource telephone line at 2-1-1. Seniors can also take advantage of the Senior Information and Assistance Hotline at 1-800-510-2020.
Do not rely on a fan as a primary cooling device.
Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when it is the hottest part of the day. Avoid direct sunlight and stay in shaded areas when possible.
Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Take cool showers or baths to lower body temperature.
Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day.
Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are open.

Stay hydrated

Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until thirst sets in.
Consume two to four cups of water every hour while working outside.
Avoid liquids containing high amounts of sugar, caffeine and alcohol.
Make sure family, friends and neighbors are drinking enough water.

For Pets

Pets are vulnerable to high temperatures too but are unable to vocalize their distress. Some signs of heat distress in pets can include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive thirst and vomiting. Help prevent a heat emergency by taking these steps:

Provide extra water to your pets.
Bring pets inside during periods of extreme heat.
Ensure pets have plenty of shade if you decide to keep them outside. Remember, the shade pets enjoy in the morning will either change or diminish as the sun moves throughout the day and could potentially leave them unprotected.
Don’t force animals to exercise when it’s hot and humid. Take your pets for a walk early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
Keep pets off sidewalks and hot asphalt to avoid paw burns. Never leave pets in a parked vehicle. Even in the shade with windows cracked, temperatures can reach over 120 degrees inside.

For more information on how to stay safe when experiencing extreme heat and facing other emergencies, visit prepare.sbcounty.gov.
Stay informed, stay prepared and stay safe!

Additional County Update News – September 5, 2024