By Gig Conaughton
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
It’s really hot out there.
And when the heat is extreme — which can happen in the summer and even fall months in San Diego County — it can be dangerous for people and pets.
It can also increase levels of hydrogen sulfide emissions and odors that can affect people living and working in the South Bay, particularly around the Tijuana River Valley.
So, here are some tips to help you, your friends, loved ones and pets stay safe when the temperatures spike.
EXTREME HEAT
Extreme heat can cause body temperatures to soar. And that can cause heatstroke, exhaustion, dizziness, nausea, confusion, headache and even death. People who are particularly at risk are children, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, someone who is pregnant, and outdoor workers.
Here are some tips to help you, your friends and loved ones stay safe.
Cool Zones and Indoor Relief — Places to Stay Cool
The County’s Cool Zones, including the County’s 33 branch libraries, community centers and other locations, offer people safe, air-conditioned sanctuaries from the heat. Here is a complete list of County Cool Zone sites, their hours and locations.
You can also use the County’s interactive link that lets you search for Cool Zone sites by location, ZIP code, organization and by what animals are allowed.
WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE SHOWS SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE
Call 9-1-1 immediately. Signs of heatstroke include dizziness, nausea, confusion and headache.
Begin cooling the person right away. Move them into the shade; spray them with cool water and fan them.
If they are alert, place them in a cool shower and monitor their body temperatures.
Do not give them fluids; a person with heatstroke may not be able to swallow safely.
WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE SHOWS SIGNS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION
Signs include being faint or dizzy, excessive sweating, cool/pale/clammy skin, nausea/vomiting, rapid/weak pulse and muscle cramps.
Get the person to a cooler, air-conditioned place.
Have the person drink water if fully conscious.
Place them in a cool shower or use cold compresses.
TIPS TO HELP PEOPLE AVOID HEAT-RELATED PROBLEMS
Stay in an air-conditioned space during the hottest hours of the day.
Don’t rely on electric fans alone when temperatures exceed 90 degrees.
Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.
Take cool showers.
Never leave a child, elderly person, or pet unattended in a car — even briefly.
Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
Wear sunscreen and a wide-brim hat if you must be in the sun.
Avoid using the oven to keep indoor temps lower.
TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PETS COOL IN HOT WEATHER
Keep your pets indoors if it is cooler inside.
Exercise pets in early morning hours or early evening only.
Keep your pets’ water supply in a tip-proof container, always topped off, and be sure it stays cool (pets will not drink water that is too hot).
Consider a misting system to keep the outdoor areas cooler.
Be sure your pet has shade available ALL DAY, if they are outside. Remember, the sun’s position changes during the day.
Avoid car trips; vehicles heat up dangerously fast. On an 85-degree day, a car can reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes and soar upward even with the windows down an inch or two.
Check pavement temperatures; if it is too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for paws.
Offer a shallow wading pool or misting area.
Watch for signs of heat stress: heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, lethargy, or stumbling. Seek veterinary help immediately if you notice these.
Stay cool, check on vulnerable neighbors and keep pets safe.
TIJUANA RIVER VALLEY EFFECTS
Our high temperatures can also affect people in the South Bay, especially those living near the Tijuana River Valley, by increasing the hydrogen sulfide emissions in the valley often recognized by a strong rotten egg odor.
People can reduce the impacts by limiting outdoor activities when the odors are present, keeping windows and doors closed, and increasing air circulation with fans or air conditioning on recirculation and to consider using air purifiers with HEPA filters, activated charcoal, or potassium permanganate. People sensitive to air pollution should keep rescue medications ready and seek medical help if symptoms worsen.
People can get more information at the County’s Tijuana River Valley Environmental Dashboard.
For additional information about heat, go to the Health and Human Services “Extreme Heat” webpage.