Heat Safety
Extreme Heat Safety
Beat the Heat, Prevent Heat Illness
Heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable, yet more than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States according to the CDC website. When it’s very hot, the body can’t cool itself down properly, which can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, damaging vital organs like the brain. Older adults, young children, and people with health issues are most at risk, but even healthy people can be affected during intense physical activities in the heat. It’s important to balance outdoor activities with actions to stay cool.
Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing,
Drink a variety of fluids, including water, fruit juice, and sports drinks,
Check on neighbors, especially seniors, children, and neighbors who live alone,
Keep physical activities to a minimum during the hottest part of the day,
Stay indoors and out of the sun during the hottest part of the day,
Use fans as appropriate,
Use cool showers, baths, misting and washcloths,
Avoid hot foods and heavy meals.
heavy sweating,
weakness,
fainting,
and vomiting
Heat stroke is considered a severe medical emergency.
The symptoms due to heat stroke include:
hot dry skin,
rapid, strong pulse
and possible unconsciousness.
Emergency medical assistance should be summoned immediately or the victim should be taken to the hospital immediately if suffering from heat stroke.
Heat Safety Tips
The National Weather Service’s HeatRisk tool shows local heat warnings and safety tips in your area! Enter your zip code to get the HeatRisk for the week in your area and actions you can take to keep you and your family safe.
A child dies from heatstroke about once every 10 days because they were left alone in a hot car. Heatstroke is the leading cause of vehicle deaths for kids 14 and younger. Children might climb into unlocked cars to play, or be left alone in the car. These tragedies can be prevented.
- Never leave a child in a car alone. Don’t let your kids play in a car without an adult. Teach them that cars are not play areas.
- Never leave babies or kids in a parked car, even if the windows are open a little.
- Put a teddy bear or stuffed animal in the car seat when it’s empty. Move it to the front seat when you put your child in the seat to remind you to check.
- Make it a habit to look in the car before locking the doors and walking away.
If someone else usually drops off your child, have them call you to make sure it’s done safely.
For more information please visit the website below:
If your pet gets too hot, do these things right away
Move your pet to the shade and apply cool water (not cold) all over its body
(spray with a garden hose)Apply ice packs or cold towels to your pets head, neck and chest only
Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes
Contact a veterinarian immediately
The hot summer days in Imperial County can be dangerous and at times deadly for pets. Protect your pet from the summer’s heat. Below are safety tips to help protect your pet during summertime.
Heat Illness Reports
The Imperial County Public Health Department, in collaboration with local hospitals and the Imperial County Coroner's office, monitors heat-related illnesses and deaths due to environmental heat exposure during the summer months.
Resources
The Heat and Health Guidance are from the CDC that provides various tips on how to prevent any Heat Illnesses
The Stay Heat-Safe at Work from CDPH regarding severity, symptoms, and what to do with specific symptoms.
Learn how to stay safe during a heat wave and how to treat heat-related illness like heat exhaustion.