As extreme heat blankets Southern California with high temperatures now expected through Monday evening, Cal OES has moved to Phase II of the Extreme Temperature Response Plan, including holding coordinating calls across state government to share information, monitor activities statewide and ensure resource needs are met.
“Heat can be deadly and it often catches people by surprise,” said Christina Curry, Chief Deputy Director of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. “It’s important for all Californians to do their part and take steps to stay safe in dangerously hot conditions.”
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for a large portion of southwest California through Monday at 8 p.m., with the hottest temperatures Friday as well as warm overnight low temperatures. According to the National Weather Service, the heat presents a “high risk for dangerous heat illness for anyone, especially the very young, the very old, those without air conditioning and those active outdoors.”
What California is doing to protect communities:
Emergency coordination and response.
Cal OES is coordinating with local governments and emergency managers on any regional needs.
• A current list of local cooling centers open by county can be found here.
• Through Listos California, Cal OES is deploying in-language preparedness messaging and paid digital billboards to increase public awareness of the need to hydrate, take breaks and check in on those who may be most at risk or isolated.
• The Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC) is deploying in-language messaging to higher-risk communities through Heat Ready CA, which includes a network of community organizations and outreach to ethnic media.
• Through the state’s Priority Populations Task Force, Cal OES convenes over 20 agencies to coordinate state and local resources and share information with the public, identify and address unmet needs, and ensure comprehensive preparedness and response in support of Californians at greatest risk and coordinate with local jurisdictions.
Protecting workers. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) reminds employers to protect workers from heat illness during high temperatures by providing water, rest, shade and training.
• Field inspectors are conducting targeted inspections at worksites where workers are most vulnerable to heat illness including in agriculture and construction.
• Details on heat illness prevention requirements and training materials are available online at 99calor.org. Cal/OSHA’s heat illness prevention standard applies to all outdoor worksites.
• The Government Operations Agency has coordinated messaging to all state employees on increased temperature preparedness and worked with building managers to reiterate state efficiencies during warmer days.
Protecting public health and safety. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has developed heat guidance for schools, local health jurisdictions, and other community service providers to protect Californians, particularly heat-vulnerable populations like children, students, older adults, the unhoused, outdoor workers, and those with existing health conditions. The Department is also conducting social media education and outreach on the signs of heat stroke and what to do when you think someone is suffering from it.
Increasing climate resiliency. The California Natural Resources Agency and state climate partners are addressing longer-term impacts of climate change and extreme heat events through the Extreme Heat Action Plan to Build Community Resilience.
• Efforts include resources for vulnerable and underserved communities, investments in shading communities through green schoolyards and urban forestry initiatives, and putting nature-based solutions to work to cool buildings and infrastructure.
How you can stay safer from extreme heat
Go to ready.ca.gov to find resources and tips to stay safe from extreme heat, and other natural disasters.
Stay cool (during the hottest times of the day):
• Those without air conditioning should consider going to a cooling center. Check out this list of cooling centers across the state or visit a public location such as a library or shopping mall.
• Avoid physical exertion or exercising outdoors.
• Wear lightweight, light colored and loose clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Stay hydrated:
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, even when not thirsty; 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:
• Monitor those at higher 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. Determine risk at heatreadyca.com.
• Californians are also encouraged to check on their neighbors – call or visit higher risk people, and offer to pick up groceries, medication, and other necessities. Older adults, young children and babies, people with chronic medical conditions and those who are pregnant are most at risk.
• Use a buddy system when working in the heat.
• As a precaution, keep all communication and medical devices charged.
Stay informed:
• Check the local news for weather forecasts, extreme heat alerts, and cooling centers.
Stay safe outdoors:
Remember to always be safe around the water:
• Make sure you and your loved ones wear properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Several public and private entities make life jackets available to the public on a loan basis.
• Always supervise children by appointing a designated “water watcher.”
• Know your limits. Swimming in a lake, ocean or river is different than swimming in a pool.
• If someone is in distress, seek help from a lifeguard or call 9-1-1 if one is not available.