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Residents are advised to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed
San Bernardino: County Health Officer, Maxwell Ohikhuare, M.D. has issued an extreme heat alert for San Bernardino County, due to high temperature forecasts for the inland and desert regions. Residents are urged to take precautions that will prevent heat-related illness.
Extremely high or unusually hot temperatures can affect your health. Most vulnerable are the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, the homeless or poor, and people with a chronic medical condition.
Take the necessary precautions to prevent serious health effects such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Stay cool
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
- Find an air-conditioned Cooling Center open to the public by dialing the United Way’s toll-free resource telephone line at 2-1-1, or online at www.coolingsb.org.
- Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
- Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when it is the hottest part of the day, and avoid direct sunlight.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.
- Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day.
Stay hydrated
- Drink more than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
- Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside
- Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
- Make sure your family, friends and neighbors are drinking enough water.
Stay informed
- Check your local news for extreme heat warnings and safety tips.
- Visit http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat to find information and tips for preventing heat sickness.
- Sign up for free weather alerts to your phone or e-mail from websites such as www.weather.com/mobile. .
- Keep your friends, family and neighbors aware of weather and heat safety information.
Additionally, the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health encourages all residents to learn the signs and first aid response for heat-related illness. Warning signs and symptoms vary but may include:
Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness
- Skin cold, pale, and clammy
- Weak pulse
- Fainting and vomiting
-
Heat Stroke
Symptoms
- High body temperature (above103°F)
- Hot, red, dry or moist skin
- Rapid and strong pulse
- Possible unconsciousness
