FRESNO COUNTY – Health officials with Fresno County are advising residents to stay cool as warming temperatures start to hit triple digits.
As announced by the department, the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the area from June 11 until June 13. Thus, the Fresno County Department of Public Health, or FCDPH, is urging residents to take precautions to prevent heat-related illness and to recognize warning signs that indicate the need to seek medical care.
“Heat-related deaths are preventable,” said Fresno County Health Officer Dr. Trinidad Solis via the announcement. “It is important to check on older neighbors and family members, especially those who live alone. We advise residents to be proactive and understand steps they can take to keep themselves safe.”
Extreme heat significantly increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities, as noted in the advisory. Individuals with chronic health conditions may be especially sensitive to extreme temperatures and should take extra precautions to prevent heat exhaustion, heat stroke and possible death.
The advisory noted that the body’s normal response to heat can be adversely affected by strenuous activity, age, obesity and other chronic health conditions. Additionally, some prescription medicines may impair the body’s ability to control its temperature and/or may inhibit perspiration.
One way to better understand the local health impacts of extreme heat is through the Fresno County Heat Dashboard recently launched by the FCDPH. The dashboard includes information on heat-related health indicators throughout the county.
“This resource is intended to help residents recognize periods of increased heat-related health risk and take preventative measures during extreme heat events,” stated the FCDPH in the announcement.
Otherwise, the department provided residents with some reminders and tips on how to best address the hotter weather.
The department highlighted three key things: water, rest and shade. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages such as coffee, soda, and tea. Rest by staying indoors and minimizing physical activity. Provide plenty of shade and fresh drinking water for people and pets, and wear lightweight, light colored and loose-fitting clothing. Also, apply adequate sunscreen.
Also keep an eye on other people around you. The department recommends checking on high-risk family members, friends, neighbors and others twice a day. And never leave a child or pet in a parked car.
If need be, visit a cooling center or other air-conditioned locations.
The FCDPH also noted the warning signs of heat stroke, which vary but may include: an extremely high body temperature; unconsciousness; dizziness, nausea, confusion or a throbbing headache; red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating); and a rapid, strong pulse.
“Heat stroke is a medical emergency,” the advisory stated. “Have someone call 911 while you begin cooling the individual.”
Warning signs of heat exhaustion vary but may include: heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting and paleness, tiredness or dizziness.
“If you see any of these signs, lie the individual down in a shady area. Cool the individual rapidly using whatever methods you can,” the advisory started. “For example, use a fan and water spray or mist if available, place in a cool shower or spray with cool water from a garden hose.
“If the individual is not responding, call 911.”
Individuals seeking cooler environments can visit stores, malls, public facilities or a nearby cooling center. The department encouraged residents to contact their local community or city to see if they have opened a cooling center or building for a place to stay cool.
For local resources and cooling center information, call 2-1-1 or visit www.fcdph.org/extremeheat. The Fresno County Heat Dashboard is also available on this webpage.
More guidance on heat illness prevention is available at www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/heatillnessinfo.html.