Extreme heat has arrived and with that, wildfire season. Be sure to look after yourself and those around you with resources from Cool Davis, Yolo County OES, 211 Sacramento, Heat Ready California and Listos California.

In recent news  The Climate Center shared how California is preparing for deadly heat waves as Californians face growing risks from extreme heat thanks to the climate crisis. Worldwide, we’ve experienced record-breaking temperatures for 12 consecutive months — a trend that comes with grave consequences. In June of 2021, a heat wave killed nearly 900 people in the Pacific Northwest. In the summer of 2022, more than 60,000 people died in Europe from heat-related causes. And experts are increasingly concerned about the likelihood of an extreme heat event coinciding with mass power outages, which would mean no access to air conditioning for millions of people. 

California state officials aren’t waiting around for similar disasters. Two weeks ago, the state launched Heat Ready CA, an initiative to protect the communities most vulnerable to extreme heat. Californians can sign up for extreme heat alerts as well as learn about symptoms of heat stroke and how to avoid it. 

At the local level, cities are developing emergency response and long-term heat management plans. Last year, the Los Angeles Regional Collaborative for Climate Action and Sustainability joined The Climate Center for a webinar about how to plan ahead for extreme heat waves. Local officials and academics have identified planting trees in urban centers and establishing cooling stations at trusted community centers as critical approaches that save lives. In fact, a recent study showed that increasing tree cover and incorporating more reflective surface building materials has reduced heat-related emergency room visits in Los Angeles. “

LOCAL RESOURCES

Cool Davis

Check out the Cool Davis website to stay in the know on climate impacts, resilience based solutions, and community events! Those seeking to advance their sustainability journey should review the Cool Davis Renters Guide and Checklist!

  • To stay cool check out Cool Davis’ YouTube #LiveCoolDavis videos covering: Evening Cooling, PreCooling Your Home while managing your thermostat.
  • To help reduce load preventing power outage check out videos on Load Shifting, Reducing Load by Line Drying Your Clothes, Using LEDs and Changing Your Filter.

Extreme Heat Cooling Centers

Dangerous heat levels continue to be forecast across Yolo County. 211 Sacramento has provided a resource to find cooling centers in your vicinity: 211 Sacramento Cooling Centers Tool

Davis Cooling Centers

Please note the week day and weekend hours of these public facilities that open for refuge from the heat:

  • Davis Senior Center (646 A Street). Open: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Masks are strongly encouraged. All are welcome.
  • Mary L Stephens – Davis Branch Library (315 East 14th Street), Closed Labor Day Open Hours: Monday 2 pm – 8 pm;Tuesday through Thursday 10 am – 8 pm; Friday & Saturday 10 am – 5:30 pm;Sunday 1 pm – 5:30 pm
  • City of Davis Respite Center (530 L Street) will continue to be accessible for those experiencing homelessness for resources, such as showers and laundry. Program Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30 am – 4 pm; Saturdays 7:30 am – 3:30 pm

Yolo Alert, Yolo OES, PG&E – Sign up for notices and alerts and information on where to cool down!

To sign up to receive emergency alerts visit: Yolo Alert. All information in the Self Registration Opt-In portal will be kept confidential. Residents can also dial Yolo 2-1-1 to find Places to Cool Down near them. Yolo County posts safety alert messages to Nextdoor, Facebook, and X( Twitter).

Yolo County OES: Wildfire Preparedness PRESS RELEASE  May was ” Wildfire Preparedness Month across California, and Yolo County is emphasizing the critical need for collaboration among landowners, community members, and local fire departments. The Yolo County Office of Emergency Services (OES), Yolo County Fire Safe Council, and Yolo County Resource Conservation District (RCD) have partnered to educate residents on best practices for preparing for the anticipated increase in wildfire activity, creating defensible space, and protecting their community.” Continued here.

Power Outages– In the event of a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), visit the PG&E website.   For other power outages, visit PG&E alerts.

Tips for Managing Heat: Heat Ready California & Listos California Resources

Download and post these Heat Emergency materials and resources for your household, community locations and workplace!

Heat Ready is a new State website for Heat Emergencies with tips and resources.

Listos California is the lead program for emergency & disaster preparedness. Here top tips to share during this heat wave.

  • Know the signs of heat-related illness: Symptoms of heatstroke and heat exhaustion can include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, feeling weak, headache, nausea or vomiting, tiredness, or dizziness.
  • Stay cool and hydrated: Find a cooling center, community center, public library, shopping mall, or other air-conditioned building that can provide relief.
  • Look out for others: Check in on friends, coworkers and family and have them do the same for you. And don’t forget about pets.
  • Charge your medical and assistive devices: Extreme weather can put a strain on our electrical grid or cause outages. If you or your loved ones use electric medical and assistive devices, inform your utility about your medical needs and enroll in a medical baseline program to receive additional notification and assistance. Also, make sure all batteries are charged and that you have back up plans. If you use a motorized wheelchair or scooter, keep an extra battery. Visit bit.ly/CPUCbaseline for more.