June 21 marks the official start of summer and across California, we’re seeing temperatures heat up. With more sunshine and people spending more time outdoors, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) wants to remind all Californians about the importance of staying safe.
MAKE A PLAN
It’s important to plan before you leave your home. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or just going outside for some relaxing, know the route you’ll be taking and how long you plan to be gone.
Tell a responsible person about your plans and when you anticipate you’ll be home. if you don’t come back in a reasonable amount of time, they can notify local authorities and provide them with details that can be really important if you need to be rescued.
BE PREPARED
Even if you don’t plan on being outdoors for very long, it’s important to be prepared to changing conditions or being gone longer than expecrted. Pack extra resources including food, water and clothing. Even during summer, weather conditions can change quickly so it’s best to have extra layers in case you’re out later in the day and it starts to cool off. Packing ahead of time will ensure you’re prepared for any sitiuation.
If you’ll be hiking, ensure you have plenty of water and food. It’s easy to get off trail so you might end up out longer than you anticipated.
CHECK THE WEATHER
It’s best to be prepared for any and all situations. Checking the weather for the day of your trip ensures you know what clothing to wear and what additional supplies you may need. It’s also a good idea to check the weather for the following day and pack additional supplies. If you end up stuck outside overnight, you’ll be prepared with additional resources until help arrives.
DON’T FORGET YOUR PETS
As temperatures heat up, many people want to go outside and take their pets with them. While they love outdoor adventures, they can’t handle the heat as well as you can. Be sure to limit their exercise on hot days. Always provide plenty of cool water for them to drink and provide access to shade. With increases flows in local waterways this summer, don’t leave pets unsupervised near streams or river. Most importantly, never leave your pet in a hot vehicle.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES