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Californians urged to Prepare for Heat Wave
Bill Curtis By: Bill Curtis
5:23 PM Thursday, May 15th, 2008
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement as temperatures are expected to hit triple digits in numerous parts of the state: “In numerous areas across the state we will see temperatures rise to triple digits today and through the weekend, and I want to remind Californians to take precautions during this first heat wave of the year. The anticipated record-breaking temperatures are an early reminder of what is to come this summer, and I urge everyone to help reduce their risk of heat-related health problems and to take the necessary steps to prevent power outages that can come with increased use of electric power.”



“This week’s temperature rise should be a wakeup call for everyone to prepare for summer heat waves. By following simple steps to keep cool during extremely hot weather, we all can safely enjoy California this summer,” said Governor Schwarzenegger.
“Seniors, infants and young children, and people with chronic health conditions are most vulnerable to health problems during hot weather and should take extra precautions,” said Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). “Check on your elderly family members, neighbors and friends during extremely hot weather to make sure they are safe and comfortable. Remember to drink plenty of fluid, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and pace yourself when outside.”
CDPH recommends the following tips to stay cool:
• Turn on air conditioning, swamp coolers, portable or ceiling fans to help keep rooms cooler.
• Increase your fluid intake, especially water, regardless of your activity level. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages such as coffee, soda and tea.
• If you or someone you know is feeling ill from the heat, remove them from the heat immediately, offer water and seek medical help or call 911.
• Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• If you work outside, be sure to begin drinking fluids well before your job begins and to keep drinking fluids. Try to arrange your work, if possible, in the cooler hours of the day.
The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) Director Henry Renteria asked Californians to help reduce the possibility of isolated power outages by conserving energy.
“Setting the thermostat between 78 and 80 degrees, rather than at a lower temperature while you are at home will keep you comfortable and save energy. Also, setting the thermostat at 85 or turning off the air conditioner while you are away will also help conserve energy statewide,” Renteria said.
The Labor and Workforce Development Agency and the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, better known as Cal/OSHA, urge all California employers to revisit their injury and illness prevention programs.
“Employers absolutely must take special precautions to protect employees whose work exposes them to extreme temperatures,” said Victoria Bradshaw, Secretary of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency. “Heat illness can quickly progress to heat stroke and be fatal.”
Under heat illness prevention regulations first adopted in 2005, employers are required to take basic steps to prevent heat illness at outdoor worksites, including making available and encouraging each employee to drink four 8-ounce cups of water per hour and providing immediate access to shade for recovery periods of at least 5 minutes at a time.

Additional tips on preparing for heat-related emergencies are available on the following web sites:

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