Sweltering weather hits SLO County. Here’s how to avoid heat stroke
Parts of San Luis Obispo County are expected to see high temperatures in the triple digits multiple times this week as part of a major heat wave sweeping California.
That increases risk of heat stroke and heat exhaustion for community members.
To help residents stay safe, the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department compiled a list of tips for how to avoid heat-related illnesses.
The department also encourages people to check on those who may be a risk throughout the heat wave, including children, the elderly, people with health conditions and people who work outdoors.
“Staying cool isn’t just about comfort: Heat-related illness can be very serious and even deadly,” SLO County Public Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein said in a news release Wednesday. “This is true for our most vulnerable neighbors and even for otherwise healthy people who work or exercise outdoors in the heat.”
To help combat heat-related illnesses, the Public Health Department offered three main tips: Stay cool, stay hydrated and stay connected.
Stay cool
Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you do not have air conditioning at home, visit air-conditioned public places such as libraries, malls or cooling centers. While fans can provide comfort, they are not effective at preventing heat-related illnesses when temperatures reach the high 90s or above.
Avoid exercising or working outdoors during the hottest times of day. If you must exercise or work outdoors in the heat, pace yourself and take frequent breaks.
Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. Wear a wide-brimmed hat while outside.
Take cool showers or baths. Keep a spray bottle of water in the refrigerator to spray yourself with cool water if needed.
Stay hydrated
Drink more water than usual. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink more water.
Avoid alcohol and sugary beverages. Drink cool water instead.
If you are working or exercising outside, drink two to four cups of water per hour.
Stay connected
Check on neighbors, family and friends who are especially at risk. This includes children, the elderly, people with mental or physical health conditions, people who work outdoors and people who do not have access to air conditioning. If you are at risk, ask someone to check on you.
If you must work or exercise outdoors in the heat, use a buddy system. Monitor your buddy for signs of heat-related illness and ask them to do the same for you. If you see signs of illness, stop work or exercise and move to a cooler environment.
Remember to check on pets. Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water. Make sure they have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.
Never leave people or pets in closed, parked cars.
If you see signs of heat-related illness, take action immediately.
What are the symptoms of heat exhaustion and stroke?
According to Public Health, heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale and clammy skin; a fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting and fainting.
Heat stroke symptoms include a high body temperature of above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as hot, red, dry or moist skin; not sweating; a rapid and strong pulse and confusion and possible unconsciousness.
Public Health says if you see signs of either illness, you should immediately move the person to a cooler area to lie down and rest. Cool them with a cool, but not cold, shower, bath or wet cloth.
For heat exhaustion, the person may sip cool water, as well. If the person vomits repeatedly, you should seek medical attention.
If you think someone is showing the signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately or ask someone to call 911 while you focus on helping the person cool down, according to the release.
A person who has heat stroke should not drink liquids.
More information about avoiding heat-related illness in SLO County is available at slocounty.ca.gov/heat-health. Public Health phone support is also available at 805-781-5500.
This story was originally published August 31, 2022 at 12:12 PM.
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