RESIDENTS URGED TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS DURING HEAT

By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office

April 24, 2020 (San Diego) - With high temperatures forecast over the next several days, County health officials are encouraging San Diegans to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. People should especially pay close attention to children, the elderly and pets.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat warning for desert areas, including Borrego Springs, through 6 p.m. Sunday, with temperatures up to 105 degrees. A heat advisory is in effect through 6 p.m. Saturday, with expected highs in the 90s, for San Diego County Valleys including the cities of Escondido, El Cajon, San Marcos, La Mesa, Santee, and Poway.

Due to the Public Health Order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the County will not be operating the Cool Zones program this weekend but are looking at options for next week.

The County has some fans available but is still seeking donations of new fans to distribute to vulnerable individuals and households. If you’re interested in donating, email COVID19-Donations@sdcounty.ca.gov.

To avoid heat-related problems, health officials recommend the following nine strategies:

1. If available, stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day.
2. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
3. Drink plenty of water (avoid alcohol and sugary drinks) and don’t wait until you are thirsty
4. Take cool showers
5. Never leave a child, elderly person, or pet unattended in a car
6. Keep pets cool in hot weather 
7. Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities outside during the hottest part of the day
8. Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and wear a wide-brim hat if you need to be in the sun
9. Avoid using the oven to cook

An extremely high body temperature (103 or higher), dizziness, nausea, confusion, and headache are signs of heatstroke or exhaustion. If someone shows these signs, call 9-1-1 and begin cooling the individual by:

• Moving them to a shaded area
• Spraying with cool water and fanning them
• Placing them in a cool shower if they are alert
• Monitoring the body temperature and continue cooling efforts
• Do not give the victim fluids to drink

Elderly people (65 years and older), infants and children, and people with chronic medical conditions are more prone to heat stress. People with elderly neighbors should check in on their well-being. This can be done while adhering to social distancing recommendations in person or by phone or video conferencing if available.

For more information on extreme heat, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.