The County of Sonoma Department of Health Services has issued a Heat Alert in response to the National Weather Service’s Excessive Heat Warning for parts of the county from noon Friday, July 9, through 11 p.m. Sunday, July 11.
The Excessive Heat Warning applies to the North Bay valleys and mountainous areas of northern and eastern Sonoma County, where high temperatures are forecast in the high 90s and low 100s. Cloverdale is expected to reach 108-109 degrees on Saturday and Sunday with Petaluma and southern areas in the county expected to be in the 98-99 degree range.
These weather conditions can cause heatstroke and worsen chronic medical conditions, leading to severe complications and death. Sonoma County Deputy Health Officer Dr. Kismet Baldwin urges residents to take simple steps to stay cool and help prevent heat-related illnesses.
“Extreme heat can pose dangers, but there are many things we can do to reduce heat-related problems,” said Dr. Baldwin. “While summertime heat can be dangerous for anyone, including young, healthy people, those most at risk include older adults, young children and those with chronic medical conditions such as heart, breathing or lung conditions.”
The California Independent System Operator issued a statewide Flex Alert for Friday, July 9, citing extreme temperatures across much of California and a potential capacity shortfall on the state’s electric grid. Consumers are asked to voluntarily conserve electricity from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Such conservation would help ease the strain on the grid during the crucial evening hours when solar energy is diminished or no longer available.
To protect yourself and your family when the weather is very hot, follow the tips below:
● Never leave anyone including children and 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. Check indoor mask requirements for the public space you will be visiting.
● 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 4 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 and 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, anti-Parkinson’s drugs and psychiatric drugs. Do NOT stop taking medication unless instructed to do so by your doctor.
● Check on your neighbors such as the elderly or those in poor health to see if they need assistance.
“As always, during emergency times we must continue to look out for one another,” said Lynda Hopkins, Chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. “Keep in close contact with family, friends and neighbors who are medically fragile or work outdoors. It’s important to remind one another to seek shade, drink water and get medical assistance if signs of heat fatigue become prevalent.”
For more information about keeping cool in the summer heat, visit the County Emergency information website, www.socoemergency.org/heat, or call 211. Updates on weather conditions are available from the National Weather Service www.weather.gov.
