Heat Safety
Heat can be very taxing on the body and the City urges the community to avoid heat related illnesses by getting informed and practicing heat safety.
Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are three types of illnesses that can occur when the body heats up too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating. Click here to learn about the symptoms of these illnesses and how to provide first aid.
Certain populations are more vulnerable to the impacts of excessive heat including newborns, children, the elderly and those who are pregnant, overweight, or have a chronic illness.
The City encourages everyone to practice heat safety during dangerous temperatures. This includes:
Cooling Down
- Use air conditioners or spend time in air-conditioned locations such as malls and libraries. In San Carlos, consider cooling down at the:
- San Carlos Library – Click here for hours
- San Carlos Adult Community Center – Click here for hours
- Use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air.
- Do not direct the flow of portable electric fans toward yourself when room temperature is hotter than 90°F. The dry blowing air will dehydrate you faster, endangering your health.
- Take a cool bath or shower.
- Be sure to monitor heat conditions by checking the National Weather Service for the latest updates on heat advisories and heat warnings.
Help Protect Others
- NEVER leave kids or pets in cars unattended
- Check on older, sick, or frail people who may need help responding to the heat. For more information on how heat affects our elderly population, go to this CDC webpage and this page from the California Department of Aging.
Outdoor Activities
- Slow down. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day.
- Dress appropriately. Wear lightweight, loose fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
- Minimize direct exposure to the sun. Sunburn reduces your body's ability to dissipate heat.
Eating and Drinking
- Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads.
- Drink plenty of water (not very cold), non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty.
Source: The National Weather Service
Resources