As excessive heat conditions continue throughout the state, Butte County Public Health (BCPH) urges residents, employers and schools to take steps to avoid heat related illness, especially for those at increased risk for complications.

Extreme heat poses a substantial health risk especially for vulnerable populations including young children, older adults, people with chronic diseases or disabilities, pregnant women, people who work outside, people experiencing homelessness, and people who are socially isolated. Residents are encouraged to check on family members and neighbors who may not have air conditioning or may be unaware of the heat wave.

K-12 Schools should implement prevention measures to protect students from heat related illness while at school, including: cancelling or rescheduling all outdoor activities, relocate activities to an air-conditioned or cooled indoor location and monitoring students for signs of heat-related illness. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently issued guidance for schools (tinyurl.com/mpnescwf) on sports and other strenuous outdoor activities during extreme heat events. Schools may use their existing heat emergency plan or refer to the CDPH plan for additional information.

Butte County employers, especially those with employees who work outside, should follow heat illness prevention measures from Cal/OSHA (tinyurl.com/4v6t8fz9). These include providing enough water for each worker, providing access to shade, encouraging frequent breaks and training workers about heat illness prevention.

Residents without access to air-conditioning can take steps to stay cool by: using a fan, keeping blinds and drapes closed, taking a cool shower or bath, turning on bathroom and stove top fans to suck hot air out, freezing wet towels to cool the body and visiting public places with air condition.

Heat-related illnesses happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself and may include: cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and death. Warning signs of heat-related illnesses may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache and nausea. Additional symptoms for heat stroke include a high body temperature, rapid pulse and hot, dry skin.

Learn more about signs and symptoms of heat-related illness: www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html

If you or someone you know is suffering from heat-related illness, immediately move the affected person to a cooler location and attempt to reduce body temperature by loosening clothes, applying a cold compress and drinking water. If you suspect a person is suffering from a heat stroke, immediately call 911 and do not give them fluids to drink.

Take precaution to avoid heat-related illness:

* Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty

* Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks

* Avoid outdoor strenuous activity between 10 am and 8 pm

* Rest often in shady areas

*Reschedule outdoor activities

* Stay indoors where air conditioning is available (pets included)

* Wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

* Take short, cool showers during the day to cool off

* Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked car – look before you lock

Pets are also at risk for heat-related illness. Protect your pets from extreme heat by providing ample shade and water, limiting exercise, and never leaving your pet in a parked car. Watch for signs of heat stroke, including: heavy panting, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lack of coordination, vomiting, lethargy, and profuse salivation.

Learn more about extreme heat in Butte County: www.buttecounty.net/extremeheat