“Santa Barbara County Issues Health Alert Amid Excessive Heat Warning: Key Precautions to Take”
Point 1: The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department has issued a Health Alert in response to the Excessive Heat Warning issued by the National Weather Service for parts of Santa Barbara County. The warning will be in effect from 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 28, to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29.
– Community members are urged to take necessary safety measures to avoid heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
– Precautions include checking on vulnerable individuals like the elderly, young children, and pets, wearing appropriate clothing, staying hydrated with cool beverages, limiting outdoor activity during peak heat hours, taking regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces, and being aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Continuation:
As temperatures rise in Santa Barbara County, it is crucial for residents to prioritize their health and safety. The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department has issued a Health Alert due to an Excessive Heat Warning posted by the National Weather Service. This warning will be in effect from 10 a.m. on Monday, August 28th, until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 29th.
To prevent heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, community members are strongly urged to take necessary precautions. It is important to check on those who may be more susceptible to the dangers of excessive heat, such as the elderly, young children, and pets. Wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing can help keep the body cool. Staying hydrated is also crucial, so drinking plenty of cool non-alcoholic beverages, especially those without sugar or caffeine, is recommended. It is important not to wait until feeling thirsty to drink. If there are fluid restrictions from a doctor, it is advised to consult them for guidance on how much to drink during hot weather.
Limiting outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, typically morning and evening hours, can help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. Wearing sunscreen and taking regular breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned room can also aid in maintaining a lower body temperature. Taking a cool shower or bath can provide relief as well.
For those without air-conditioning, it is advisable to spend at least parts of the day in cooler spaces. While electric fans can provide some comfort, they are not sufficient in preventing heat-related illnesses when temperatures reach the high 90s. Additionally, individuals who work outside should take frequent rest breaks in shaded areas or air-conditioned rooms if possible. It is important to stay hydrated and move to a cooler space if signs of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, nausea, or heavy sweating, are experienced.
Recognizing the signs of heat stroke is crucial, as it is a more severe condition than heat exhaustion. Symptoms of heat stroke include hot, flushed skin and a lack of sweating. If heat stroke is suspected, it is vital to call 911 immediately as it can be life-threatening.
Lastly, it is essential to never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles. Even on relatively mild days, temperatures inside vehicles can rise rapidly and become deadly within minutes.
For more information about the excessive heat forecast in Santa Barbara County, please visit countyofsb.org — Heat Expected in Santa Barbara County; August 2023 | Santa Barbara County, CA.
Source: www.noozhawk.com