Full Notification

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning and Heat Advisory for the Santa Clara Valley starting Friday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Aug. 16, and possibly extending through Wednesday, Aug. 19. As we shelter-in-place to keep ourselves and our community safe from spreading COVID-19, it is also vital to protect ourselves and loved ones from the impacts of extreme heat.  Due to the potential for heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, residents are encouraged to take precautionary measures, including:

• Drink plenty of water: Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol, caffeine or lots of sugar because they will speed up fluid loss.
• Limit physical activity: Avoid physical activity during the hottest time of the day—10AM-3PM.
• Never leave people or pets in a closed, parked car.
• Stay in air-conditioned areas, whenever possible.
• Cool off by taking a bath or shower: Cool, plain water baths or moist towels work best. Do not cool children in alcohol baths.
• Wear cool clothing: Lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing can help you keep cool. Cotton clothes are good because they let sweat evaporate.
• Do not bundle babies: Babies do not handle heat well because their sweat glands are not fully developed. Do not put them in blankets or heavy clothing.
• Cover your head: Wear a wide-brimmed, vented hat or use an umbrella when outdoors because your head absorbs heat easily.
• Wear sunglasses and sunscreen: Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher when outdoors.
• Rest often in shady areas: Find shady places to cool down when outdoors.
• Check on frail or elderly family, friends, or neighbors often.

Remember, if you see someone on the street who may be having a life-threatening reaction to the heat, please call 911.  For information on cooling centers and heat safety tips, please visit https://bit.ly/heatsafetytipsSCC.