Scorching temperatures that gripped much of the Bay Area Monday and Tuesday are expected to continue through today, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is urging Californians to prepare for more hot weather.
“With just a few simple steps, such as drinking an adequate amount of water, staying indoors during the hottest times of the day and pacing yourself when outside, we can all keep cool and safely enjoy the outdoors during hot weather,” Schwarzenegger said in a statement.
Much of this summer was characterized by unusually mild weather, but the National Weather Service has forecast above-normal temperatures affecting the state through Thursday.
“Though we’ve had lower temperature recently, we cannot forget that it is summer in California and we must be prepared for hot weather,” said California Emergency Management Agency Secretary Matthew Bettenhausen.
Bettenhausen recommends reducing the risk of suffering a heat-related illness by learning first aid and CPR, updating emergency plans and restocking emergency kits and drinking water supplies.
Drinking fluids is essential to avoiding heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. To beat the heat, state officials recommend that copious amounts of water be included in emergency supply kits.
During the hot spell, those most vulnerable to heat-induced illness–the elderly, children and people with pre-existing illnesses–need extra attention.
“If it hasn’t been done yet, now is the time to obtain extra medications and food, and to arrange for someone to check on those who are living alone or have special needs,” said California Public Health director Dr. Mark Horton.
In preparation for the rising mercury, the emergency management agency continues to coordinate response efforts between state and local responding agencies and private partners.
For summer heat resources, residents can visit the agency’s website at www.calema.ca.gov. Additional health tips can be found on the Department of Public Health website at www.cdph.ca.gov.
