In July 2024, over a dozen people died due to extreme heat in Santa Clara County. Heat is deadly, know how to protect yourself and loved ones. It takes a minute and doesn’t cost a dime! Read below for information and resources on how to stay safe during extreme heat.

10 STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE HEAT:

Use Air Conditioning if possible or go somewhere cool like a library, mall, or cooling center.
Cool your home without A/C by closing blinds, doors, and windows; using ceiling fans; and putting ice or a damp towel in front of electric fans.
Drink plenty of water
Eat small, easy to digest meals (ex. fruits or salad) and eat more often. Avoid hot, heavy meals that include proteins, these increase your metabolism and water loss
Avoid drinks that dehydrate you (caffeine, alcohol, sugary drinks)
Avoid physical activity and being in the sun during the hottest part of the day 11am to 3pm. If you must be physically active, take breaks often indoors or in a shaded area.
Never leave a person or animal in a car on a warm day, even in the shade, with windows partially open. It can be deadly!
Keep animals hydrated and in shade; keep them off asphalt, concrete, and truck beds
Know the signs of heat stroke: Hot, red, dry or damp skin; Fast, strong pulse; Headache; Dizziness; Vomiting/Nausea; Confusion; or Passing out.
Check yourself, family, and neighbors for signs of heat related illness. If you suspect a heat stroke call 9-1-1 and cool the person down

5 STEPS FOR COOLING DOWN THE BODY

Wear light and loose clothing and sleep with thin sheets and blankets
Drench clothes in cold water or wear wet towels or bandanas on your head or shoulders
Put hands and feet in cold water.
Take cool showers or baths
Mist head, neck, and shoulders with a spray bottle filled with cold water

5 STEPS FOR COOLING DOWN A HOME WITHOUT A/C

Keep windows and doors closed during the hottest parts of the day (11am to 3pm); you can open them and, if possible, cross ventilate rooms if the temperature cools down at night.
Cover windows during the day to protect from direct sunlight using blinds, curtains, external shutters, bed sheets or towels.
Consider sleeping on a lower level of your home, as heat rises, or in the coolest room in your house. Close doors to keep cold air from escaping the room.
Eliminate extra sources of heat by turning off lights, unplugging appliances when they are not in use, and turning on exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.
Know how to use fans effectively to cool the air
- Ceiling fans cool rooms by pushing air down
- Box fans can push hot air out of a room when they are pointed out of an open window.
- Portable and electric fans improve airflow but don’t cool the air during extreme heat. Place a cool damp towel, frozen water bottle, or ice in front of the fan in temperatures 95 degrees or higher to effectively cool the air.

More heat safety information: https://www.ready.gov/heat

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Institute on Aging

Heat Safety in Schools

Heat Guidance for Schools

Heat Safety Tips

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Listos Stay Safe in Extreme Heat - Multiple languages
Cal Osha - 99Calor – Prevention of Heat Sickness
Cal Osha - 99Calor – Prevention of Heat Sickness - Spanish
Cal Osha Regulations – Heat Illness Prevention in Outdoor Places of Employment
Cal Osha Heat Safety Supervisor’s Daily Checklist
Report Hazards to Cal/OSHA
Report Hazards to Cal/OSHA - Spanish