Excessive heat warning issued in Solano County

June 21, 2017

SOLANO COUNTY – The National Weather Service's excessive heat warning for Solano County remains in effect until 11 p.m. on Friday, June 23.  Temperatures are forecasted to reach the upper 90s to low 100s, with the heat gradually subsiding over the weekend.  The triple-digit temperatures and high humidity may combine to create a substantial health risk where heat-related illnesses are possible.

Extremely high or unusually hot temperatures can affect your health, especially when being exposed to the heat outdoors for long periods of time.  The most vulnerable populations to heat related illnesses are the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, the homeless or poor, people with a chronic medical condition, and those without air conditioning at home.

"Solano residents should find relief from these extremely high temperatures," says Dr. Bela Matyas, the County’s Public Health Officer.  “We would like to remind everyone to take precautions, especially those who are frail and sensitive to the heat.  Extreme heat can be dangerous, but there are ways to protect ourselves and our families.”

During this heat wave, be sure to take the necessary precautions to prevent serious health effects for heat-related illnesses.  Consider some of the following tips to keep you and your family safe, including:

STAYING COOL
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings and shelters, including the mall, library or public cooling center
- Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device
- Limit outdoor activities, especially during mid-day and avoid direct sunlight
- Reschedule strenuous activities to the early morning and evening
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing
- Take cool showers or baths to lower body temperatures
- Check in on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day
- Do not leave children and pets unattended in vehicles under any circumstances

STAY HYDRATED
- Drink more than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink
- Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside
- Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar
- Make sure your family, friends and neighbors drink enough water

STAY INFORMED
- Check your local news for extreme heat warnings and safety tips
- Keep your friends, family and neighbors aware of weather and heat safety information
- Recognize the signs of a heat illness – if you think it may be life threatening, call 911

Know the signs of heat-related illnesses
Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat-related illness is a spectrum of disorders due to environmental factors, specifically heat exposure. Symptoms can be minor from heat rash, cramps, headache and fatigue, to more severe and even life threatening conditions like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION
- Weakness
- Skin is cold, pale and clammy
- Weak pulse
- Fainting and vomiting

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
- Move to a cooler location
- Lie down and loosen your clothing
- Apply cool, wet clothes to as much of your body as possible
- Drink plenty of water (avoid caffeine and alcohol)
- If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately

SYMPTOMS OF HEAT STROKE
- High body temperature (above 103 degrees F)
- Hot, red, dry or moist skin
- Rapid and strong pulse
- Possible unconsciousness

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
- Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has these symptoms
- Move the person to a cooler environment
- Reduce the person’s body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath
- Do NOT provide fluids

The Solano County public libraries serve as cooling centers for residents during normal operating hours.  City residents unable to utilize these facilities should contact their local city offices for information on cooling centers within their communities.

Visit www.CDC.Gov/ExtremeHeat for more tips and information for preventing heat-related illness.