Our Orange County Health Care Agency has issued the following High-Temperature Health Risk Warning:
Oc County HealthHIGH TEMPERATURES in ORANGE COUNTY BRING RISK OF HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES
(Santa Ana, CA) – Temperatures in most of Orange County are expected to reach the low to mid-90s beginning Wednesday 8/31 and reach the high 90s and low 100 degrees through Monday 9/5. High temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke for those who are more sensitive to heat.
Prolonged exposure to excessive temperatures may cause serious conditions like heat cramps or heatstroke and can even be fatal. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and dizziness.
Warning signs of heat stroke may include an extremely high body temperature, unconsciousness, confusion, hot and dry skin (no sweating), a rapid pulse, and a throbbing headache. If symptoms of heat stroke occur, immediately call for medical assistance. Move the person to a shady area and begin cooling their body with water.
Recommended precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses include:
- Drink plenty of water; don’t wait until you are thirsty.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
- Stay out of the sun if possible, and when in the sun wear a wide-brim hat and use sunscreen.
- Avoid strenuous activities if you are outside or in non-air-conditioned buildings. If you are working outdoors, take frequent rest and refreshment breaks in a shaded area.
- Never leave children, elderly people, or pets unattended in closed cars or other vehicles.
- Check on those, like neighbors, who are at high risk to make sure they are staying cool – including seniors who live alone, people with heart or lung disease, and young children.
- Stay cool indoors – if your home is not air-conditioned, visit public facilities such as shopping malls and libraries to stay cool.
For more information on heat-related illnesses, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Where Should I Go?
For Rossmoor, the County recommends that people needing a break from the heat visit our Los Alamitos/Rossmoor Library. Please check the Library website here or call them (562.430.1048) for hours.
Generally, all Cooling Centers throughout the county are available for people to visit and take refuge from the heat. A listing of all the Cooling Centers in the County can be found here, thanks to the OC Sheriff’s Department
Additionally, visiting a mall or other public building space can help you stay cool when the heat is on.
In every case, stay hydrated and out of the sun when possible and if your home is too warm to be comfortable, visit one of the locations above. Also, be a good neighbor and check on those who you know are homebound or don’t get out much to make sure they are okay.
