On average, over 700 heat-related deaths are reported each year in the US. Please seek available resources below for this current heatwave. If you have questions or are in need of additional support, please reach out to your medical, ADS, or housing case manager. You may also call 211 for additional resources. If you are facing a health emergency, call 9-1-1.

Cooling Centers are available in the following areas:

Resources and information to help friends and neighbors stay cool:

When outside temperatures are very high, the danger for heat-related illnesses rises. People's bodies are not able to cool themselves quickly enough, and they overheat.

In severe instances, people can suffer heat stroke, which can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

Older adults, young children, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at highest risk for heat-related illness. But even young and healthy individuals can suffer in heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.

You can protect yourself and loved ones against very hot temperatures by following these recommendations:

Stay cool

Spend more time in air conditioned places. If you don't have air conditioning, consider visiting a mall, movie theater, or other cool public places.
Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.
Dress in lightweight clothing.
Take a cool shower or bath, or place cool washcloths on your skin.
Check up on your elderly neighbors and relatives to take these precautions too.

Drink liquids

Drink plenty of water. Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar because they can actually dehydrate your body.
Have a beverage with you at all times, and sip or drink frequently. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.

If you go outside

Limit the time you're in direct sunlight.
Do not leave infants, children, people with mobility challenges, or pets in a parked car, even with the window rolled down.
Avoid or reduce doing activities that are tiring, or take a lot of energy.
Do outdoor activities in the cooler morning and evening hours.
Avoid sunburn. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating.

Stay Safe in the Heat mini comic book

Guidance for preventing heat illnesses during hot weather, especially for people who are at higher risk, such as outdoor workers, people with chronic health conditions, and children. This downloadable document can be photocopied double-sided.

English, Chinese, Korean
Somali, Spanish, Vietnamese

It's Hot Outside brochure
English, Chinese, Spanish, Vietnamese

Water safety

Some people turn to local rivers to cool off, but drowning is a real concern. Please use caution and wear a personal flotation device (PFD) on the water. Find deals on affordable lifejackets. And if you want to swim, choose a safer location – visit a local pool or lifeguarded beach instead.

Certain medications may increase sensitivity to the heat. If you are concerned about the heat and the medications you are taking, check with your doctor. Do not take salt tablets unless your doctor tells you to.

Recognizing heat exhaustion and heat stroke

When people's bodies can't cool themselves quickly enough, it can cause heat exhaustion. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting. If you see someone with signs of overheating, move the person to a cooler location, have them rest for a few minutes and then slowly drink a cool beverage. Get medical attention for them immediately if they do not feel better.

Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can cause death or permanent disability unless treated immediately. Symptoms of heat stroke include:

An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
Red, hot, and dry skin
Rapid, strong pulse
Nausea, confusion, and unconsciousness

Heat Resources for the Community