How To Stay Safe In Dangerous Hot Weather Conditions

COACHELLA VALLEY, CA — Extreme heat can be dangerous for everyone, especially for those who work outdoors, County Public Health Officer Jennifer Chevinsky warns. The Coachella Valley is under an Extreme Heat Warning, and the rest of the Inland Empire remains under an Extreme Heat Advisory, leading to dangerous conditions for the unaware.

"(The conditions are dangerous), as well, for older adults, young children, pregnant women, those with heart disease and individuals who have other chronic medical conditions," she said.

The latest public health figures show 550 heat-related emergency visits and two deaths were reported in the county this year. Last year, there were 1,627 emergency visits and 65 deaths, according to Riverside University Health System.

Highs were expected to reach 119 degrees Thursday in Palm Desert and Indio, and 115 in Palm Springs. The nighttime and early morning hours will offer little relief, with most lows hovering in the 80s in the desert.

An extreme heat warning was in effect for Coachella Valley deserts until at least 8 p.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service. The agency said areas affected in the heat warning include La Quinta, Coachella, Indio, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and Cathedral City.

How can hot weather make you sick?

The most serious heat-related illness that can occur is heat stroke, which happens when the body is no longer able to control its temperature. Warning signs include confusion, loss of consciousness, hot and dry skin and seizures. When a person is experiencing heat stroke, officials said someone should dial 911, move the person to a cooler area, and apply cold, wet cloths to lower the body temperature.

A less severe but still dangerous illness is heat exhaustion, with symptoms including headaches, nausea, dizziness, weakness, thirst, heavy sweating, and irritability. Treatments applied to a person experiencing heat exhaustion are moving to a cool, shaded area, removing unnecessary clothing and drinking cool water.

The agency offered several prevention tips, including:

• drinking plenty of water throughout the day,
• wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing,
• avoiding strenuous activity outdoors,
• checking on elderly neighbors.

Most importantly, children and pets must never be left inside a vehicle without air conditioning on—not even for a minute, as death can occur quickly.

"These are easy steps to protect yourself, and it starts with limiting your time outdoors during the hottest part of the day," Chevinsky said.

Know Where To Go To Stay Cool:

Officials also advised people to utilize cooling centers if necessary.

"Cool centers provide a safe place to cool down and can also help residents reduce energy costs during extreme heat," Executive Director of Community Action Partnership Karla Lopez del Rio said.

There are more than 50 cooling centers throughout the county, and they can be found in libraries, community centers, and malls, among other places. Hours and availability differ.
Center sites can be found at capriverside.org/cool-centers.