Tulare County HHSA Issues Heat Safety Advisory

June 21, 2011

Tulare County is experiencing a sharp increase in daytime high temperatures coinciding with the beginning of summer. Forecast highs on Wednesday, 6/22, are predicted to reach 106 degrees in some areas of the County, with a high of 104 possible on Thursday, 6/23. This event will have good overnight temperature recovery, with lows in the 70’s each night. Temperatures are forecasted return to the 90s by the end of the week.

Tulare County and the incorporated cities continue to offer their facilities as Cooling Centers during the hot daytime hours. The most recent list of Cooling Centers county-wide can be found on-line by visiting http://oes.tularehhsa.org/.

Simple measures are recommended for protection against heat-related illnesses during this time as we enter the hot summer months. Please follow these hot weather tips during high heat conditions:

• Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.
• Use air conditioning or spend time in air-conditioned locations such as malls or cooling centers.
• Use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air.
• Avoid unnecessary physical activity if you are outside or in a non-air-conditioned building.
• Avoid going out in the heat and direct sunlight if you can.
• When exposed to direct sunlight, wear a head covering, preferably a hat with a wide brim, and rest often in shady areas.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting cotton clothing.
• Avoid heavy meals. Eat light, cool, and easy to digest foods such as fruit or salad.
• Ask your physician if you need to make any changes to daily medications when exposed to high temperatures. Avoid using salt tablets unless instructed to do so by your physician.
• NEVER leave anyone unattended in closed, parked vehicles. Heat build-up exceeds tolerance levels very quickly and can result in serious illness or death.
• Keep electric lights down low or turned off and avoid using your oven.
• Keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but windows slightly open.
• Take a cool bath or shower periodically, or apply cool towels to cool down your body.
• Keep in contact with friends and family who may be at greater risk of heat illness. This includes but is not limited to, infants, young children, elderly, and those who are ill.

Common symptoms of heat related conditions include: profuse sweating; weakness; dizziness; headache; dim or blurred vision; cold damp skin; extreme tiredness; nausea; hot dry skin

IF YOU NEED EMERGENCY MEDICAL ATTENTION, CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN OR 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY.

For more information, visit the Tulare County Office of Emergency Services website at: http://oes.tularehhsa.org/ or call the free Tulare County Info Line 2-1-1.