Sonoma County issues heat advisory

County of Sonoma Health Officer Dr. Mia Shim has issued a Heat Advisory in conjunction with the National Weather Service’s Extended Heat Advisory for areas of Sonoma County through Thursday, October 8.

The heat advisory applies to inland areas of Sonoma County, where high temperatures are forecast to be in the mid-high 90s, depending on location.

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

“During this heat wave, please take a moment to keep each other safe and check on families, neighbors and outdoor workers — especially older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with health conditions,” Dr. Shim said. “Let's also keep our pets cool and hydrated.”

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 just 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 fluids 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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Contact Information: 
Sheri Cardo
DHS Communications Specialist 
sheri.cardo@sonomacounty.gov
(707) 565-8619