Skip to main content

Stay Safe in the Heat

Northern California is expected to experience extreme heat in the upcoming days.

An infographic listing signs of dehydration in adults and seniors, with an image of an elderly man holding a water bottle.

Summer heat waves can be dangerous, especially for older adults, people with chronic diseases and disabilities, outdoor workers, people who are unhoused and those who are pregnant.

It’​s important to protect yourself and your loved ones by checking in on friends and family who may need assistance, monitoring weather forecasts, staying hydrated, limiting time in the heat and staying in or visiting cool spaces.

 

Four simple ways to help keep your family and community safe this summer:

Stay Cool (During the Hottest Times of the Day) 

  •  If you are getting too hot, take a short, cool shower and stay in an air-conditioned area.
  • Those without air conditioning should check with their city or county for cooling centers or visit public locations such as a library or shopping mall.
  • Avoid physical exertion or exercising outdoors.
  • Wear lightweight, light colored, loose clothing, and when outside, wear hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. 

Stay Hydrated 

  • Don’t wait until you are thirsty. Make water your go-to drink. Drink water early … and often.
  • Drink sports drinks (in moderation with water) to help replace electrolytes lost during exercise.
  • Avoid sugary, alcoholic, and very cold drinks.
  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Stay Connected 

  • Check on each other, especially those at high risk of heat-related illness including infants and young children, people 65 years of age or older, individuals with chronic illness, disabilities or who are pregnant.
  • Use a buddy system when working in the heat.

Stay Informed

  • Check your local news for weather forecasts, extreme heat alerts, and cooling center information.
  • Know the warning signs of heat-related illness (Heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting, paleness, fatigue, light headedness or dizziness). If you feel any of these symptoms, move to a cooler location immediately. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

Stay Ready

As California undergoes more frequent and severe heat waves, Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced the ready.ca.gov, a new, one-stop shop for Californians to prepare for emergencies and extreme weather. 

You can also find information in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Just click the language button at the top left of the webpage to switch languages.

They also offer an Emergency Alerts sign-up page to help connect Californians to their local alerts systems based on a provided zip code or location. The resource also explains the meanings of common alerts and identifies social media accounts associated with local government and first responders.

Also, don't forget to share this information with friends, family, and neighbors!

ADDITONAL INFORMATION: 

Find a Cooling Center

SacRT is providing free rides on fixed-route bus and light rail to and from cooling centers located throughout the Sacramento region. The free ride dates, times, and locations are below.

To ride free, screenshot or right clIck the image below to download and print this free ride flyer and present it to the bus operator upon boarding, or show light rail fare inspection staff upon request. Please note: flyer only valid to and from activated cooling centers.

It's a public notice offering free rides to cooling centers during an excessive heat warning in the Sacramento region.