With triple-digit temperatures approaching, the Kern County Public Health Department is urging residents to protect themselves against the heat as high temperatures pose a substantial health risk, especially for vulnerable populations including young children, the elderly, those with chronic diseases or disabilities, and pregnant women.
“Summer is a busy time of year as kids are out of school and many events and activities are happening around Kern County. There are steps we all can take to prevent medical emergencies in our daily lives, in and around our homes,” the department stated in a press release. “This June, Public Health will release weekly health and safety tips to empower families to have a happy and safe summer!”
People suffer heat-related illnesses when their bodies are unable to cool themselves properly. Heat-related illnesses include cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and death. Warning signs of heat-related illnesses may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, and nausea. Vomiting, paleness, fatigue, and dizziness can also be indicators of heat-related illness.
“Many families will be attending graduation ceremonies and celebrating outdoors this weekend and we urge them to do so as safely as possible,” says Brynn Carrigan, Director of Kern County Public Health. “It is imperative to practice heat safety to prevent any heat-related tragedies as we enter into our hot summer months.”
Public Health has provided some tips to stay safe during heat risk which include:
- Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar.
- Avoid outdoor physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover the face and neck and loose-fitting clothing.
- Regularly check on any elderly relatives or friends who live alone. Many may be on medications that increase the likelihood of dehydration.
- Use cool compresses, misting, showers, and baths. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a rapid, strong pulse, feel delirious, or have a body temperature above 102 degrees.
- Never leave infants, children, elderly, or pets in a parked car. It can take as little as 10 minutes for the temperature inside a car to rise to levels that can result in death.
Visit this website to see if there are any Cooling Centers available in your area.