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Heat Wave Resources

Safety tips to stay cool during extreme heat

The weather can bring threats, such as extreme heat. At Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP), we want to share resources to help you and others stay safe.

During emergencies, it is vital to stay up to date on what is happening.

You can sign up for weather alerts and other emergency notifications from:

Watch for signs of heat illness

Many days and nights of hot weather can be dangerous. Getting too hot can make people sick. The California Department of Public Health recommends learning the signs of heat illness. It offers tips on how to help someone with heat illness:

  • Heat stroke symptoms: red, hot, dry skin; very high body temperature; dizziness; nausea; confusion, strange behavior, or unconsciousness; rapid pulse or throbbing headache.
    Take Action: Call 9-1-1.
  • Heat exhaustion symptoms: heavy sweating, cramps, headache, nausea or vomiting, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, and fainting.
    Take Action: Move to a cool place and get medical help if vomiting or symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.

Keep cool

When temperatures reach 80°F - 90°F, make sure to:

  • Stay hydrated. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and a hat outdoors.
  • Wear sunscreen and avoid too much sun.
  • Slow down and try not to exercise during the hottest time of the day.

Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning or if there was a power outage, find a public place you can go to get out of the heat:

  • Libraries, shopping malls, and community centers can be cool places to break the heat.
  • Ask neighbors, friends, or family if they have a cool place you can visit.
  • Visit www.vcemergency.com to find a cooling center near you.

If you work outside:

  • Take breaks to cool down.
  • Your employer must give you water, rest, and shade.

Look out for others

  • For people who are 65 or older, heat can be dangerous. Plan with a friend, family member, or neighbor who will call or check on you twice daily while it is hot outside.
  • Bring pets inside. Make sure they have plenty of fresh water.
  • Make sure everyone gets out of the car when you park. Never leave a child, adult, or animal alone inside a parked car. Temperatures inside a car can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes, causing heat stroke or death.

Be prepared

To learn more about heat waves, heat related illness, or to check your symptoms, visit our health library at www.healthwise.net/gchp.