San Andreas, CA…Temperatures of 100 degrees or more will continue over the next several days. While heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, more than 600 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year. The warning signs of heat illness include heavy sweating, cramps, headache, nausea or vomiting, tiredness, weakness, dizziness and fainting.

“Don’t overestimate what you can do during a heat wave, assume it’s less than your normal level of activity,” stated Dr. Dean Kelaita, Calaveras County Health Officer. “Play it safe and avoid heat related illness. Common sense measures can prevent the possibility of heat-related illness. Some health conditions such as obesity, heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn and drug/alcohol use can make it harder for the body to stay cool in hot weather.”

During this heat wave, be sure to:
 Drink plenty of water
o Take enough water for yourself and those traveling with you when you leave home
o Avoid drinks with caffeine (tea, coffee, and soft drinks)
o Avoid alcoholic beverages
o Provide plenty of water for pets

 Stay cool, stay indoors
o Stay in an air conditioned area, if possible
o If you do not have air conditioning, go to a place that is air conditioned
o Take a cool shower or bath

 Wear light clothing and sunscreen when outdoors
o Choose lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing
o Wear a wide-brimmed hat
o Use sunscreen when outside (SPF 15 or higher) and reapply every two hours when in the sun

 Plan outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day
o Avoid being out during the hottest part of the day
o Rest often in a shady area
o Never leave children or pets in a parked car

 Pace yourself
o Take frequent, regularly scheduled breaks
o If you don’t feel well (for example: heart pounds, out of breath, lightheaded, confused, weak or faint) stop your activity and rest in a cool or shady area

 Stay in touch with your family, friends, and neighbor’s daily
o For those with health conditions and the elderly, check in more often
o Have others check on you

Calaveras Public Health urges people to remain vigilant about the prevention of COVID-19 transmission during this heat warning. “We must continue to practice preventive actions that help slow the spread of COVID-19. Practice physical distancing, wear a face covering, get tested, wash your hands often, and stay home if you are sick,” said Dr. Kelaita. “It is also best to avoid gatherings with people you don’t live with. All of these measures can add up and help slow the spread.”

The best ways to avoid exposure to the virus are to:
 Stay home if you are sick
 Stay at least 6 feet away from people outside of your household
 Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
 Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
 Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth when around others

For more information about prevention and signs of heat-related illness, call Public Health at 209-754-6460 or visit www.facebook.com/calaveraspublichealth.