Sonoma County Health Officer issues health advisory concerning heat wave; County to open cooling centers

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County of Sonoma Health Officer Dr. Tanya Phares has issued a health advisory in response to the National Weather Service’s   Excessive Heat Warning for much of the county from 11 a.m. Monday through 11 p.m. Wednesday.

The heat advisory by the National Weather Service applies to inland and coastal areas of Sonoma County. Temperatures are forecast to be as high as 103 in Sonoma and Healdsburg, 104 in Windsor and 95 in the coastal region.

In response to the heat wave, the County will be opening cooling centers beginning on Tuesday. Locations include the Guerneville Library, the Park and Ride lot in Geyserville and a site to be determined in Sonoma Valley. For specific hours as well as locations of other cooling centers to be opened by cities and community groups in Sonoma County, go to socoemergency.org.

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

“Extreme heat can pose dangers, but there are things we can do to prevent heat-related health issues and stay safe,” said Dr. Phares. “ Stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and avoid strenuous activities”.

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 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 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 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 during the 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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Media Contact:
Gilbert Martinez, Communications Specialist
publicaffairs@sonoma-county.org
(707) 565-3040
575 Administration Drive, Suite 104A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403