Yolo County officials urge all county residents to take measures to protect themselves accordingly during the summer heat. Vulnerable populations include individuals over 65 years of age, children under 4 years of age, those who work outdoors, people who are overweight and those who are ill or may be on certain medications that can affect their ability to handle fluids.

To prepare for extreme heat, you should:

  • To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.

  • Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.

  • Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.

  • Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.

  • Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.

  • Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.)

  • Keep storm windows up all year.

  • Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes.

  • Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help.

  • Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas.

  • Get trained in first aid to learn how to treat heat-related emergencies.

Here are some tips on staying cool and safe during extreme heat:

  • Be familiar with your local weather forecast by visiting www.weather.gov

  • Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

  • Drink plenty of water and limit intake of alcoholic beverages. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.

  • Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.

  • Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.

  • Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.

  • And hotter weather also affects pets, so remember to give them plenty of water and keep them inside.

  • Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.

  • Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.

  • Postpone outdoor games and activities.

  • Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.

  • Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.

  • Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.

  • Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.

  • Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

  • Avoid extreme temperature changes.

  • Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.

  • Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power during periods of extreme heat.

Heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has over-exercised for his or her age and physical condition. Older adults, young children and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to succumb to extreme heat.

Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include:

  • an extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees, orally)
  • unconsciousness
  • dizziness, nausea, confusion
  • red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
  • rapid, strong pulse
  • throbbing headache

Warning signs of heat exhaustion vary but may include:

  • heavy sweating
  • muscle cramps
  • weakness
  • headache
  • nausea or vomitting
  • paleness, tiredness, dizziness

Conditions that can induce heat-related illnesses include stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality. Consequently, people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than those living in rural areas. Also, asphalt and concrete store heat longer and gradually release heat at night, which can produce higher nighttime temperatures known as the “urban heat island effect.”

What do to if someone is suffering from a heat related illness?

If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim:

  • Get the victim to a shady area.
  • Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place in a cool shower; spray with cool water from a garden hose; sponge with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
  • Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.
  • If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
  • Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.
  • Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

Sometimes a victim’s muscles will begin to twitch uncontrollably as a result of heat stroke. If this happens, keep the victim from injuring himself, but do not place any object in the mouth and do not give fluids. If there is vomiting, make sure the airway remains open by turning the victim on his or her side.
These self-help measures are not a substitute for medical care but may help you recognize and respond promptly to warning signs of trouble. Your best defense against heat-related illness is prevention. Staying cool and making simple changes in your fluid intake, activities, and clothing during hot weather can help you remain safe and healthy.

The former content was excerpted from Yolo County Summer Weather Resources web page

For more information about extreme heat and other climate impacts, visit these new Cool Davis web pages.

How to Beat the Heat in Davis

Places to Cool Down in Davis at No Cost

Davis Senior Center
646 A Street, Davis
530-757-5696
seniorservices@cityofdavis.org
Hours:  9:00am-4:00pm

Yolo County Library-Mary L. Stephens Davis Branch
315 E. 14th Street, Davis
530-757-5593
davislibrary@yolocounty.org
Hours:  Monday  1:00pm-9:00pm
Tuesday-Thursday 10:00am-9:00pm
Friday & Saturday 10:00am-5:30pm
Sunday  1:00pm-5:00pm

Davis Community Meals Shelter and Resource Center
1111 H St.
(530) 753-9204
Hours:   8:00am-12:00 pm, sometimes until 4:00 pm, call for more information.

 

Public and free cooling centers in Davis are included in this dynamic GIS map web site covering all of Yolo County (see link in text below).

(Places to cool down in Yolo County in 2018)

Swimming Pools

Swimming pools also are open around Davis (children under 2 years of age are free):

Arroyo Pool, 2000 Shasta Drive:  1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday-Sunday.  Family Fun Nights are offered on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7:15-9:00 p.m. until August 20.

Manor Pool, 1525 Tulip Lane:  1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday-Sunday. Family Fun Nights are offered on Monday and Wednesday nights from 7:15-9:00 p.m. until August 19.

UC Davis Recreation Pool: 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday; noon to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday.  Call 530-752-2695 to verify UCD pool admission fees.

California Office of Emergency Services has tips and resources on heat safety