As a result, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is issuing a health alert, urging residents to take the necessary safety measures to avoid heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
One of the best ways to avoid the impacts of heat is to limit outdoor activity, and schedule any outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day. If outside for work or relaxation take regular breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned room if possible. A few hours in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler, as does taking a cool shower or bath.
Residents are urged to wear appropriate clothing. Lightweight, light-colored, loose fitting clothing works best. Drink plenty of cool, non-alcoholic beverages, especially those without sugar or caffeine. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink. If you have fluid restrictions from your doctor, ask to see how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
Santa Maria will host the 2024 Red, White, & Zoom! “tech-tacular” drone show and festival on July 4 at the Elks Baseball Field behind the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center, located at 600 South McClelland St.
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If you do not have air‐conditioning, spend at least parts of the day in a cool space. Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, they will not prevent heat-related illness.
Know the signs of heat exhaustion. If someone becomes dizzy, nauseated, or sweats heavily, find a cooler location for him or her immediately. Heat stroke is even more serious than heat exhaustion and can be life threatening. The symptoms are similar to heat exhaustion, but also include hot, flushed skin. With heat stroke, the person often stops sweating and the skin will be unusually dry. If heat stroke is a possibility, call 911 immediately.
Community members are strongly encouraged to take care of those who might not be aware of the danger or be able to react accordingly – especially the elderly, young children, and pets. Check on your neighbors.
Do not leave children and/or pets unattended in vehicles, as it only takes a matter of minutes on a relatively mild day for a vehicle to reach deadly temperatures.
