Extreme Heat

San Joaquin County experiences high temperatures during the summer and early fall, often exceeding 100 degrees. Prolonged heat can be dangerous, especially for older adults, young children, and people without access to cooling. Stay safe by drinking plenty of water, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat, and checking on neighbors who may need assistance. During extreme heat events, cooling zones are opened throughout the county to provide relief.

Cooling Centers

Cooling centers are now open throughout San Joaquin County and offer community members a warm, dry, and safe place to stay during the storm. While most cooling centers are open during regular business hours, community members are encouraged to contact the locations listed below for more information on holiday hours of operation. For more information, visit the links below or call 2-1-1.

• County Cooling Centers
• City of Tracy

Prepare Now For Extreme Heat

Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards. Older adults, children, and sick or overweight individuals are at greatest risk from extreme heat; and Humidity increases the feeling of heat. The seasons are changing, and the temperatures are going up. It's that time of year to once again start considering the effects of warmer temperatures and take appropriate precautions to protect your health and safety.

Schools, day camps and non-school related sports organizations or athletes should take extra precaution when there is extreme heat. Sports practice and other outdoor activities should be scheduled early or very late in the day to limit the amount of time spent in the sun and heat.

Here are some heat safety actions you can do now to prepare for hot temperatures. 

• Drink plenty of water and beverages with electrolytes.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings and spaces.
• Limit your time outdoors during the hottest part of the day.
• Check in with relatives and neighbors who may need additional support during extreme heat.
• Look before you lock! Infants, children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
• When working outdoors, take plenty of rest and breaks in shady areas or air-conditioned spaces.
• Wear lightweight, light colored and loose-fitting clothing when possible.

Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately and if possible, move to a cool and shaded location.

Know the Signs of Heat Illnesses

Heat illnesses occur when the body becomes unable to cool itself properly during extreme heat. They can range from mild conditions like heat cramps and heat exhaustion to life-threatening heat stroke. Early symptoms may include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, or nausea. Recognizing these signs and taking quick action such as moving to a cooler area, resting, and drinking water can prevent serious health emergencies

Heat Stoke

Heat stroke is a severe, life threatening condition resulting from prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Symptoms include:

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
• Red, hot, dry skin with no sweat
• Rapid and strong pulse
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

If you see someone suffering from heat stroke, call 911 immediately and then cool them down using a wet cloth, cool shower, garden hose, and sprinkler. Avoid giving them fluids.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms typically occurring in the stomach, arms, or legs. They are often a result of intense physical activity in high temperatures and can be an early sign of heat-related illness. Immediate relief can be achieved by stopping physical activity, moving to a cooler place, and hydrating with water or electrolyte-rich drinks. Rest and gentle stretching of the affected muscles can also help alleviate the cramps. Recognizing and addressing heat cramps early can prevent progression to more serious heat-related illness.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a serious condition caused by excessive heat exposure and dehydration. Symptoms include:

• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• A fast or weak pulse
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fainting
• Nausea
• Vomiting.

If someone is suffering from heat exhaustion, move them to a cooler place, loosen their clothing, apply cool, wet cloths, and have them sip on water. Call 9-1-1 if symptoms worsen or last more than an hour.

Look Before You Look

Even on mild or cloudy days, the inside of a parked car can heat up very quickly. Within just 10 minutes, the temperature inside can rise by 20 degrees or more, creating dangerous conditions for children, pets, and anyone left inside. Opening the windows slightly does not keep the car cool. Always take your loved ones with you and never leave anyone in a parked vehicle, even for a short time.

Download the Look Before You Lock Child Heatstroke Prevention Fact Sheet.

Child Safety

Hot weather can be dangerous for children because their bodies heat up faster than adults. Never leave a child in a parked car, even for a few minutes. it can get very hot inside and become life-threatening. Make sure kids drink plenty of water, wear light clothing, and take breaks in the shade or indoors to cool off. On very hot days, plan outdoor play for the morning or evening when it’s cooler. Always keep an eye on children for signs of heat illness, like tiredness, dizziness, or upset stomach.

Pet Safety

Hot weather can be very dangerous for pets. Never leave your pet in a parked car, even for a short time. Temperatures can get hot inside very quickly. Make sure your pet always has fresh water and a shady place to rest when outside. Try to walk your pet in the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or evening. Watch for signs your pet is too hot, such as heavy panting, drooling, or acting tired. If your pet seems overheated, move them to a cool spot and call your vet right away.

Heat Safety for Outdoor Workers

Outdoor workers are at higher risk of heat-related illness during hot weather. To stay safe, take frequent breaks in shaded or cool areas, drink water regularly even if you’re not thirsty, and wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Learn to recognize early signs of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, headache, or nausea. If someone shows signs of heat stroke including confusion, fainting, or hot, dry skin, call 911 immediately.

Resources to help you stay safe during extreme heat:

• See how the County of San Joaquin's Public Health Services is keeping communities safe during Heat Emergencies
• Learn how California is keeping you informed about Extreme Heat
• Read more from the Center for Disease Control on Heat and Outdoor Workers
• Download the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Info Sheet
  

Know Your Alerts

Knowing the difference between an Extreme Heat Warning, Extreme Heat Watch and a Heat Advisory can be the difference between life and death. To learn more about alerts issued by the National Weather Service go to, https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-ww.

• Extreme Heat Warning: Take Action! An Extreme Heat Warning is issued when extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring.  Avoid outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day. If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Stay indoors in an air-conditioned space as much as possible, including overnight. Check on family and neighbors. 
  
• Extreme Heat Watch: Be Prepared! An Extreme Heat Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for an extreme heat event, but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain. Plan to suspend all major outdoor activities if a warning is issued. If you do not have air conditioning, locate the nearest cooling shelter or discuss staying with nearby family or friends who have air conditioning.
  
• Heat Advisory: Take Action!  A Heat Advisory is issued for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria. Consider postponing or rescheduling outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day. If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Stay in a cool place, especially during the heat of the day and evening.

Related Resources

• Heat safety tips for
  • Older adults
  • Infants and children
  • People with chronic medical conditions
  • Low income
  • Outdoor Workers
  • Athletes
  • Pregnancy
• Know the YourHeat Safety Alerts
• Ready.gov Heat Safety
• Check National Weather Service Alerts in Your Area
• Extreme Temperature Response Plan
• CDPH - Extreme Heat
• Pet Safety