BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — As temperatures climb, local health and safety officials are urging residents to plan ahead for extreme heat, especially for children and older adults who face higher risks.
FILE – Triple digit heat heading to the Valley this week (Photo: AdobeStock)
“You definitely want to have a plan ahead of the heat,” said Dr. Kenyatta Evans with Bakersfield Memorial Hospital.
Evans said extreme heat can create extra risks for vulnerable groups, including children and older adults. “It’s because they heat up a lot more quickly than the rest of us do, and they don’t necessarily recognize the fact that they’re heating up so quickly,” she said.
Evans said signs of heat-related illness can include dry lips, slowing down, fatigue and needing more breaks. More serious symptoms include confusion, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and changes in behaviors. “Those are reasons to get to your emergency department right away,” Evans said.
File: A construction worker hydrates at the Shedd Aquarium Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, as a second straight day of hot soupy temperatures approaching triple digits hung over much of the Midwest in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Evans also recommends keeping water nearby during extreme heat. Officials said it can also help to keep other essentials ready in an emergency go-bag.
“Are you someone that needs to have eye glasses, making sure you have a spare pair there? Are there medications that you take? You would also want to keep some of that — a reserve of that in your go bag as well in addition to maybe a small amount of cash and copies of important documents,” said Andrew Freeborn with the Kern County Fire Department.
Freeborn also encouraged homeowners to take steps to protect their property during hot temperatures and dry conditions. “By creating defensible space, it minimizes the chances of a fire actually occurring on the property,” he said.
Creating defensible space includes removing vegetation and other materials that could start a fire or help it spread to a home.
Thermostat in air conditioning mode (WLUK/Scott Hurley)
Preparing a home for heat can also make a difference. PG&E said one way to keep a home cooler is to use the cooler parts of the day to your advantage.
“Open your windows in the early morning when it’s cooler, then close your windows, blinds and drapes as temperatures rise to keep that cool air inside for as long as possible before having to run your AC,” said Jeff Smith with PG&E.
When using air conditioning, Smith recommends setting the thermostat to 78 degrees when home and 85 degrees when away for two or more hours.