It’s official: The first heat wave of the season has arrived early in Sacramento.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to be near 104 degrees Wednesday with a low of 65 degrees. Thursday’s high temperatures are expected to reach 102 degrees, with a low of 66. Cooler weather is set for Friday.
Although these temperatures do not meet regional thresholds for opening local cooling centers (three days of 105+ temperatures and hotter than 75 degrees at night), the County of Sacramento, which oversees local public health, has released a list of tips to keep people cool and safe while remaining mindful of COVID-19.
“We encourage people to utilize their air conditioning to stay cool or to seek out cooler environments where they may continue to socially distance,” said Janna Haynes, County of Sacramento public information officer. “Those who are physically able to do so should wear a cloth face covering when distance may not be easily maintained.”
Outdoor heat safety tips
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of cool water.
- Limit sun exposure – When possible, stay in air conditioning on hot days. If you don’t have air conditioning, take cool showers/use a mister bottle, or make arrangements to go to a cooler space.
- Clothing – Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing
- Keep your pets cool – Give your pets plenty of fresh, clean water. Don’t exercise your pets in high temperatures or when the pavement is hot. Make sure they have a shady place to get out of the sun or bring them indoors.
- Beware of hot cars – Never leave a person or a pet in a parked car, even for a short time. On a mild 80-degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 100 degrees in less than 10 minutes.
- Avoid the hottest part of the day – If you have to be outside, try to stick to the cooler morning and evening hours. Wear light, loose clothing and take frequent, shaded or air-conditioned breaks.
- Sunscreen – Protect your skin against cancer, burns and skin damage by using SPF 30 or higher.
- Visiting bodies of water – Please ensure every member of your party is wearing life jackets. The water is still very cold and swift in places. Life jacket stations are all along the American River.
- Stay informed – Watch your local weather forecasts so you can plan outdoor activities safely and pay attention to any extreme heat alerts.
Indoor heat safety tips
- Check on loved ones – Be sure to check on less-mobile or older friends, family and neighbors who live alone or don’t have air conditioning.
- Using air condition – SMUD has energy saving tips as well as resources for those who may have financial hardships.
- Cool showers or baths – At home, a cool shower or bath can provide immediate relief.
- Close the curtains – Draw shades so sunlight does not heat the inside of your home.
- Fan keep things feeling cool – Adding fans indoors can help make the room feel cooler in addition to air conditioning.
- Shutting doors – Shut doors to unused rooms so the room you occupy the most stays cool.
- Push out warm air – Turning on exhaust fans in the bathroom can help to remove warmer air from the home.
- Let in cool air – Open windows during the cool part of the evening or early morning to cool your home.
- Limit kitchen heat – Limit indoor cooking or baking to keep from heating the kitchen; eat meals don’t need to be cooked.
“We have reached out to SMUD to ensure adequate power supply in the region to sustain higher energy use for those under stay-at-home orders,” added Haynes. “For those financially impacted by COVID-19, SMUD has provisions for its customers.”