With temperatures forecasted to reach triple digits for the first time in 2025, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) wants Californians to stay safe from the heat.
The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories across the state on Friday and Saturday, extending through Sunday in parts of the Central Valley. An extreme heat warning is also in effect for Death Valley, where temperatures are expected to exceed 115 degrees.
Here are a few tips and considerations to stay safe from heat and reduce health risks:
HAVE A HEAT PLAN
Check weather forecasts and advisories to know when excess heat is expected and how long it’s expected to last. Create a heat plan and encourage others to stay safe during a heat event.
KEEP COOL
Visit a local cooling center or air-conditioned space, such as a library, community center or shopping center. If you’re unable to travel or find an air-conditioned space, consider the following at home:
- Close windows, doors, shades and curtains to prevent hot air and sunlight from entering your home during high heat days.
- Place a cool, damp towel on the back of your neck and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.
- Use cool compresses and take a cool shower or bath to help reduce body temperature and provide relief from the heat.
USE YOUR SUPPORT NETWORKS
Identify individuals in your life, such as family, friends and neighbors, who could help support you during heat events.
Remember, creating an emergency preparedness plan based on your personal needs is critical to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe during an emergency.
SIGN UP FOR ALERTS AND NOTIFICATIONS
Sign up for emergency alerts with your county or local officials. You can choose how to get alerts sent to you when you sign up, including cell phone, home phone, email, text messages and, in some cases, TTY devices.
Sign up for a medical baseline program, an assistance program for people who depend on power for certain medical needs. Participation is important to ensure you receive additional notification of current or upcoming power shutoff events, which may occur during extreme heat events.
CHECK YOUR MEDICATIONS
Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to see if any of your medications affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature. Before an emergency, organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicine and vitamins.
Heat Ready California shares some health complications that can result from exposure to extreme heat including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Respiratory disease
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Neurological conditions
- Mental health conditions
KNOW THE SIGNS OF HEAT-RELATED MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Heat stroke symptoms can include high body temperature, dizziness, rapid heart rate, confusion and loss of consciousness. Call 9-1-1. Heat exhaustion signs include sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and headache. Move to a cool place and get medical help if symptoms get worse or last longer than one hour.
Additional Resources and Tools
Emergency preparedness for people with disabilities – Pacific ADA Center (adapacific.org)