San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Extreme Heat Information and Resources
Did You Know?
Heat is the number one weather related killer in the United States. The heat index criteria from the National Weather Service (NSW) helps us prepare for hot weather and prevent it from becoming a “silent killer”.
Who Are Most At-Risk During Heat Waves?
- Elderly (65+)
- Babies and young children
- People with pre-existing or chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, mental illness, development disability, dementia, respiratory conditions, asthma, and obesity
- The unsheltered/ homeless
- Outdoor workers and athletes
- People without air condition
- People living alone and socially isolated
- People taking diuretics, such as caffeine and alcohol or illegal drugs
- Your pets
To identify potential heat risks in your seven-day forecast, click on the button to view the National Weather Service Heat Risk map.
Find relief from the heat by clicking on the button below to
view a map of Cool Places To Go in San Bernardino County.
Recommendations To Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses
Avoid the sun – Stay indoors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the burning rays are the strongest.
Drink plenty of fluids – Drink 2 to 4 glasses of water every hour during times of extreme heat.
Replace salt and minerals – Sweating removes salt and minerals from your body, so replenish these nutrients with low-sugar fruit juices or sports drinks during exercise or when working outside.
Avoid alcohol – Alcohol can cause dehydration. Drinking alcohol within 24 hours of working in the heat can increase the risk of heat illness.
Pace yourself – Reduce physical activity and avoid exercising outdoors during peak heat hours.
Wear appropriate clothing- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes when you are outdoors.
Stay cool indoors– Set your air conditioner between 75° to 80°. If you don’t have air conditioning, take a cool shower twice a day and visit public air-conditioned facilities.
Additional recommendations to keep a home cool are by covering windows with drapes/shapes, add insulation to keep the heat out, use attic fans, and install window air conditioners and insulate around them.
Monitor those at high risk – Check on elderly neighbors, family, and friends who do not have air conditioning. Infants and children up to 4 years old, people who overexert during work or exercise (e.g., construction workers), and people 65 years and older are at the highest risk of heat-related illnesses.
Use sunscreen – It is recommended to use a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 if you need to be in the sun.
Keep pets safe- Heat also affects pets; keep them indoors or they will be outside. Make sure they have plenty of water and a shaded area to help them keep cool. Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle, even if the window is cracked or open.
What Causes Heat-Related Illness?
Heat illness occurs when the body cannot cool down. The body normally cools itself by sweating, however, sometimes that is not enough. In excessive heat, especially when humidity is high, sweat does not evaporate as quickly, and the body has to work extra hard to maintain its normal temperature. Other factors can also contribute to how our body regulates temperature, such as age, health conditions, and medication or drug use.
There are several types of heat related illness: heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. The most serious form of heat related illness is heat stroke. This occurs when the body’s temperature rises quickly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body cannot cool down. If not addressed on time, heat stroke can cause permanent damage or can lead to death.
For more information on heat-related illnesses and ways to prepare or prevent them, check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at: Extreme Heat | Natural Disasters and Severe Weather | CDC
Heat-related illnesses are preventable. Learn the symptoms and what to do if you or a loved one shows signs of having a heat-related illness.
Power Outages
Extreme Heat may cause a power outage.
A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. A power outage may do the following:
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- Disrupt communications, water, and transportation
- Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks, and other services
- Cause food spoilage and water contamination
- Prevent use of medical devices and operations or medical/senior center facilities
To report an outage, find outage, find out when your power will be restored, or learn about the different types of outages, including why they happen and how best to prepare for them, visit SoCal Edison Outage Center.
Hydration is Key
Leaving your pets extra water will ensure they are kept hydrated during excessive heat waves.
Provide Plenty of Shade
Ensure pets have plenty of shade if kept outside. Remember, the shade pets have in the morning will either change or diminish as the sun moves throughout the day and may not protect them.
Avoid Hot Paws
Do not let pets stand on sidewalks or hot asphalt to avoid burning their paws.
Bring Your Pets Inside
Keeping your pets out of direct sunlight and indoors will ensure their safety while its hot and during extreme periods of heat.
Reduce Outdoor Activity When It's Hot
Don’t force animals to exercise when it is hot and humid. Exercise pets early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
Never Leave Pets in a Parked Vehicle
Even in the shade with windows cracked, temperatures can reach over 120 degrees inside a car.
Stay Informed
Sign-up for weekly updates on County-wide news.
San Bernardino County publishes a weekly e-newsletter update every Friday with the latest news, which may include heat wave tips. You can sign up at: San Bernardino County, California (govdelivery.com) Or view every update HERE.
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