In Tehama County the summers are very hot with temperatures often well above 100 degrees. Without precautionary measures, time spent in these temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses. Heat illness is caused by high temperatures and there are 4 common types: heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat illnesses can range from mild to severe and heat stroke can lead to death. As we enter summer use these tips to protect yourself from heat-related illness.
- Know the signs of heat exhaustion vs heat stroke: Signs of heat exhaustion consist of dizziness, heavy sweating, nausea, and weakness. Move to a cool place, cool your body down by using wet cloths or taking a cool bath, and drink water. However, if you are throwing up, symptoms get worse, or your symptoms last longer than 1 hour get medical help right away. Signs of heat stroke consist of confusion, dizziness, and losing consciousness. This is a medical emergency, and you should call 911 right way. For more information visit www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html.
- Stay Hydrated: Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water and avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol.
- Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen: Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. When outdoors wear sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
- Be thoughtful when planning outdoor activities: Limit your time outdoors to when it is the coolest like before noon and during the evening hours.
- Pace yourself: When working or exercising in hot weather start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Take breaks often. If your heart starts pounding and leaves you gasping for breath stop what you are doing, get into a cool or shady area and rest.
- Do not leave children or pets in cars: Even with the windows cracked open cars can quickly become dangerously hot.
- Use a Buddy System: When working in the heat regularly check on your coworkers and have someone do the same for you. If you have friends or family members who are elderly or have a health condition check on them a couple of times a day during heat waves.
- Stay cool indoors: One of the best ways to beat the heat is to stay indoors in an airconditioned building. If you do not have air conditioning, there are cooling centers
available to the public:- The Red Bluff Tehama County Library located at 545 Diamond Avenue is open Monday-Friday from 1 pm – 7 pm.
- The Corning Tehama County Library located at 740 3rd Street is open MondayFriday from 10 am – 1 pm and 2 pm – 5 pm.
- The Los Molinos Tehama County Library located at 7881 State Highway 99E is open on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am – 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm.
- The Red Bluff P.A.T.H Day Center located at 440 Antelope Boulevard; Suite #2 is open daily from 8 am – 5 pm.
- The Red Bluff Community Center located at 1500 South Jackson Street is open Monday-Friday from 8 am – 5 pm.
- When experiencing a heat wave local cooling centers will often open where people can come and get out of the heat.
- For those who need a ride to a cooling center, Tehama County TRAX and Paratrax bus rides are available Monday through Saturday. Visit taketrax.com/maps-schedules/ for more information on routes and schedule.
The summer season in Northern California can be hard on the body but by following these tips you can help keep yourself cool and healthy.
For more information contact: Tehama County Health Services Agency – Public Health Red Bluff: (530) 527-6824; Corning: (530) 824-4890; or Toll Free: 1-800-655-6854
Press Release: PSA Heat Related Illness 2023 Eng-Sp FINAL
