excessive heat warning

Criteria for an Excessive Heat Warning is a heat index of 105 °F or greater that will last for 2 hours or more. Excessive Heat Warnings are issued by county when any location within that county is expected to reach criteria. For example: If you expected the heat index to reach 105°F in the city of Porterville, an Excessive Heat Warning would be issued for that zone.

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. In fact, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.

Remember:

• Extreme heat can occur quickly and without warning.
• Older adults, children and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat.
• Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index.

Prepare Now

Find places in your community where you can get cool.

Try to keep your home cool:

• Cover windows with drapes or shades.
• Weather-strip doors and windows.
• Use window reflectors such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard to reflect heat back outsid.
• Add insulation to keep the heat out.
• Use a powered attic ventilator, or attic fan, to regulate the heat level of a building’s attic by clearing hot air.
• Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.

Recognize & Respond

Know the signs and ways to treat heat related illness.

Heat Cramps

• Signs: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms, or legs.
• Actions: Go to a cooler location. Remove excess clothing. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if cramps last more than an hour.