Sonoma County Health Officer issues Heat Advisory

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County of Sonoma Health Officer Dr. Tanya Phares has issued a Heat Advisory in response to the National Weather Service’s Excessive Heat Warning for much of the county from Tuesday morning, July 2 through Friday evening, July 5. Concurrently, a red flag warning is also in effect from Monday at 11 p.m. through Wednesday at 5 p.m.

The heat alert applies to inland areas of Sonoma County, where high temperatures are forecast to be in the mid-high 90s and low 100s, depending on location. Santa Rosa is forecast to reach 97 degrees.

Such weather conditions can cause heat stroke and worsen chronic medical conditions, leading to severe complications and death. Dr. Phares urges residents to take simple steps to stay cool and help prevent heat-related illnesses.

“Extreme heat is very taxing on the body and significantly increases the potential for heat-related illnesses, especially for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” said Dr. Phares. “There are many things we can do to reduce heat-related problems and stay safe during hot summer days.”

To protect yourself, your family and pets when the weather is very hot, follow the tips below:

• Never leave anyone, including children or pets, in a parked car, even briefly. Temperatures in the car can become dangerous within a few minutes.
• Use air-conditioning to cool down or go to an air-conditioned building, such as a mall or movie theater.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more fluids. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
• Beat the heat with cool showers and baths.
• Stay out of the sun as much as possible.
• When possible, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.) and take regular breaks from physical activity.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing to help keep cool.
• Wear sunscreen and a ventilated hat (e.g., straw or mesh) when in the sun, even if it is cloudy.
• Be aware that some medicines affect the body's ability to sweat and stay cool, including antihistamines, antidepressants, over-the-counter sleeping pills, anti-diarrhea pills, beta blockers and psychiatric drugs. Do NOT stop taking medication unless instructed to do so by your doctor.
• Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly or those in poor health to see if they need assistance.
• Don’t walk your dogs in the heat. Pavement temperatures can be 40 to 60 degrees hotter than air temperatures. Always check the pavement to see if it is cool enough for them to walk on.

Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include the following:

• High body temperature (103°F or higher)
• Hot, red, dry or damp skin
• Fast, strong pulse
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Losing consciousness (passing out)

If someone near you experiences these symptoms, do the following:

• Call 911 right away-heat stroke is a medical emergency
• Move the person to a cooler place
• Help lower the person's temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
• Do not give the person anything to drink

For more information on heat-related illness, refer to the CDC at: https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/signs-symptoms/index.html

For more information about keeping cool in the summer heat or available cooling centers, visit the county emergency information website, www.socoemergency.org/heat, or call 211. Updates on heat conditions are available from the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov. 

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