Main Menu Close Menu

mail Contact

Search Close

Translate

Department

Community Development

Department

Community Response

Department

Convention and Cultural Services

Department

Finance

Department

Fire Department

Department

Human Resources

Department

Information Technology

Department

Mayor and Council

Department

Office of Public Safety Accountability

Department

Office of the City Attorney

Department

Office of the City Auditor

Department

Office of the City Clerk

Department

Office of the City Manager

Department

Office of the City Treasurer

Department

Police Department

Department

Public Works

Department

Utilities

Department

Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment

Category

hiking Activities

Arts & Culture

Camps

Classes & Group Activities

Community Centers

Events & Entertainment

Sports

Swimming

Category

pets Animals & Pets

Animals & Pets

Category

domain_add Building & Planning

Construction

Inspections

Planning

Property Lines & Surveying

Zoning

Category

store Business

Business

Cannabis

Economic Development

Innovation

Suppliers & Vendors

Category

account_tree City Administration

Accountability & Oversight

Boards & Commissions

City Attorney

City Manager

City Structure & Policies

Customer Service

Elections

Mayor & City Council

Transparency

Category

category City Assets & Data

City Buildings & Property

City Vehicles

Records

Transparency

Category

explore City Regions

Council Districts

Neighborhoods

Property Lines & Surveying

Zoning

Category

diversity_4 Community Support

Accessibility

Community Centers

Community Engagement

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Homelessness

Housing

Older Adults

Volunteering

Youth

Category

theater_comedy Culture & History

Arts & Culture

Events & Entertainment

Sacramento History

Category

business_center Employment

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Employees & Retirees

Employment

Volunteering

Workforce Development

Category

directions Infrastructure

Bridges

Drinking Water

Information Technology

Infrastructure Finance

Stormwater & Flooding

Streets & Roads

Trails

Wastewater & Sewer

Category

gavel Law, Code & Compliance

Code Enforcement

Inspections

Law & Code

Permits

Category

payments Money

Accounting

City Budget

Claims, Rebates & Discounts

Debt Management

Economic Development

Grants

Infrastructure Finance

Investment & Cash Management

Payments & Fees

Taxes

Category

park Outdoors & Sustainability

Bicycles

Boating

Camps

Climate & Sustainability

Parks

Scooters

Sports

Swimming

Trails

Trees

Weather

Category

local_police Safety

Alternative Response

Crime

Emergency Management

Emergency Response

Fire

Inspections

Police Department

Prevention & Personal Safety

Stormwater & Flooding

Weather

Category

directions_car Transportation

Bicycles

Boating

Driving

Electric Vehicles

Parking

Public Transportation

Scooters

Traffic

Walking

Category

delete_sweep Utility Services

Drinking Water

Recycling

Trash

Wastewater & Sewer

Back to categories Back to Departments

Search for content

SITE NAVIGATION

Safety Tips

Beat the Heat

Safety Tips

Beat the Heat

Hot sun rising through a mass of reddish clouds.

open_in_full

Warmer weather means activities and fun outdoors.

However, every year over 400 deaths occur in the United States due to heat stroke or as a result of high temperatures.

Normally, the body has ways of keeping itself cool by letting heat escape through the skin and by evaporating sweat (perspiration). But sometimes the body does not cool properly or does not cool enough and heat-related illnesses may occur. Anyone can be susceptible to heat-related illnesses, however, young children and the elderly are at a greater risk. It’s important to be aware that heat-related illnesses can become serious or even deadly if left unattended.

Stages of heat-related illness and the basics of care

Heat cramps: symptoms include muscular pains, cramps and spasms due to strenuous activity, usually involving muscles in the arms, legs or abdomen. To care for heat cramps, stop activity and rest in a cool place. If fully alert, take sips of cool water. Avoid alcohol or caffeinated liquids. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths. Do not return to activity for a few hours after cramps have subsided. Seek medical attention if the cramps do not subside within an hour.
Heat exhaustion: symptoms include skin that is cool, moist, clammy, pale, flushed or red and sweating heavily; headache; nausea or vomiting; weakness, dizziness or fainting; body temperature will be near normal. To care for heat exhaustion, go to a cool, shady place. Lie down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. If no signs of nausea, sip cool water. Avoid liquids with alcohol or caffeine. If vomiting continues, call 9-1-1.
Heat stroke: symptoms include hot, red and dry skin; no sweating; changes in or loss of consciousness; rapid pulse; rapid, shallow breathing; body temperature can be very high. Heat stroke is life-threatening! Call 9-1-1. In addition, go to a cool, shady place. Quickly cool the body by wrapping wet sheets around the body and fan it. If using ice packs, wrap them in a cloth and place them on each wrist, ankle, armpit, and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels. Watch for signs of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.

Safety tips to "Beat the heat"

Stay in the shade.
Wear a hat or use an umbrella.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
Avoid strenuous activity. If you must, do so during the coolest part of the day, usually in the early morning hours and take regular breaks in a cool place.
Drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated.Avoid alcohol which can dehydrate the body and reduce awareness of potential signs of heat stress. Also, avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and sodas which can also dehydrate the body.
If you do not have air conditioning, spend as much time as possible at public locations that are air conditioned such as senior centers, libraries, movie theaters, indoor malls, etc.
Avoid using the oven or clothes dryer during the hottest part of the day.
Never leave infants, children or animals unattended inside a vehicle.

ON THIS PAGE