Heat image by Alexander Grey on unasplash.com

The thermometer is ahead of the calendar in the Central Valley, and with temperatures expected to exceed 100 degrees for the first time this year starting Wednesday the Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) urges Valley residents to take precautions.

The department urges residents to practice preventive methods to mitigate the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly those who will be outdoors or even work outdoors.

Individuals with chronic health conditions need to take extra precautions, according to the FCDPH, with heat exhaustion and heat stroke threatening anyone that spends excessive time outdoors without taking the appropriate precautions.

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion can lead to discomfort, nausea, headaches and even death.

“Every heat-related death can be prevented,” said Dr. Rais Vohra, Fresno County Interim Health Office. “It is important to check on older neighbors and family members, especially those who live alone.”

The department urges residents to combat the heat by drinking plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages. It also recommends minimizing outdoor physical activity and if residents must go outside, seek areas that have shade and fresh drinking water for people and pets.

It also recommends checking in at least twice-daily on high-risk family members, friends, neighbors and anyone else that may be at elevated risk of heat-related illness.

Warning signs of heat stroke can include:

• High body temperatures (above 103 degrees fahrenheit orally)
• Unconsciousness
• Dizziness, nausea, confusion or throbbing headache
• Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat present
• Rapid weak pulse
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The FCDPH recommends calling 911 for those suffering from heat stroke.

Warning signs of heat exhaustion may include:

• Heavy sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Weakness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Paleness, tiredness or dizziness

 

The department also encourages those who choose to visit local waterways to exercise appropriate caution when in and around the water.

According to the department, drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of one and four, and is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death in the 1-14 age group.

Additional water safety tips can be found at the department’s website.

The department also encourages residents to stay up-to-date on locations that can provide cooler environments including stores, malls, public facilities or cooling centers.

A list of cooling centers and additional information can be found at the FCDPH website.