SMC Prepares For A Hot Weekend

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — San Mateo County officials are sharing a few safety reminders with temperatures set to soar for many in the Bay Area this weekend.

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for Saturday and Sunday as forecasters expect many areas to climb into the 90s — and a few into triple digits. That warning includes portions of southern San Mateo County, and the Peninsula is expected to see at least some heat-related risks.

In a news release Thursday, officials said conditions did not appear to warrant opening county-run cooling centers, but urged residents to check with their cities for local options. Still, the weather will be unseasonably warm, and county leaders are sharing a few simple reminders to prevent heat-related illnesses.

"Heat safety and prevention is essential every summer," said Dr. Curtis Chan, the deputy Health Officer. "This means drinking fluids, wearing lightweight loose-fitted clothing, limiting outdoor activities during the hotter parts of the day, and staying in cool indoor places — like shopping malls, libraries, markets, community centers and other cooling centers."

Here are a few more reminders from the county:

Watch for Signs of Heat Illness: In the summer, multiple days and nights of hot weather can be very dangerous. Getting too hot can make people sick. California Department of Health recommends learning the signs and how to help someone with heat illness:

• Heat stroke: red, hot, dry skin; very high body temperature; dizziness; nausea; confusion, strange behavior, or unconsciousness; rapid pulse or throbbing headache. Call 9-1-1.
• Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, cramps, headache, nausea or vomiting, tiredness, weakness, dizziness and fainting. Move to a cool place and get medical help if vomiting or symptoms get worse or last longer than 1 hour.

Keep Cool: When temperatures are very high, make sure to:

• Stay hydrated. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and a hat outdoors.
• Wear sunscreen and avoid too much sun.
• Slow down and avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day.

Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning or if there was a power outage, find a public place you can go to get out of the heat:

• Libraries, shopping malls, and community centers can be cool places to take a break from the heat.

• Ask neighbors, friends, or family if they have a cool place you can hang out.

If you work outside:

• Take breaks to cool down.
• Your employer must give you water, rest, and shade.

Look out for Others:

• For people who are 65 or older, heat can be especially dangerous. Make a plan with a friend, relative, or neighbor who will call or come check on you twice a day while it is hot outside.
• Bring pets inside. Make sure they have plenty of fresh water.