Also, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), charged with managing the electricity grid in California, has issued a "Flex Alert" for both Wednesday, August 29th and Thursday, August 30th.
"Once again we must act to help those around us that are most vulnerable to the extreme heat, especially the elderly and others at risk," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "I urge all Californians to take these heat forecasts seriously as they enjoy their time with friends and family over this Labor Day weekend."
The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for Los Angeles, Kern, Kings, Madera, Tulare and Fresno counties and is forecasting above normal heat in Riverside and Imperial counties as well. Throughout the eight counties, temperatures are expected to be 10 degrees above normal, with night time temperatures only reaching the upper 70s and low 80s.
Last night, OES directed the California Department of Food and Agriculture to open cooling centers at State fairground facilities today to augment those that have already been opened by local officials. The state-run centers will be opened from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. through at least Tuesday in the eight counties. If you are unable to drive and need transportation to cooling centers, please contact your local service provider you typically receive services to arrange for assistance.
"We stand ready to mobilize whatever additional resources are necessary to ensure local officials get the help and support they need in protecting their residents from the severe heat," said OES Director Henry Renteria.
OES, in partnership with the Franchise Tax Board, established the toll free number 1-877-435-7021 Voice or 1-800-822-6268 TTY for concerned citizens to call to obtain heat related information, referral numbers for the impacted counties, as well as locations of open cooling centers. The hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and will remain available until the severe heat has passed.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a health alert to affected local public health offices last night as well, directing them to activate their heat response plans, particularly those actions to protect vulnerable individuals. CDPH's Licensing and Certification District Offices will also be monitoring heat impacts at long term care facilities in the impacted counties.
"Prolonged exposure to extremely high temperatures can be very dangerous, particularly for infants, young children, seniors and people with underlying health problems," said Dr. Mark Horton, director of the Department of Public Health. "During this period of extreme heat, I urge Californians to drink plenty of liquids, stay cool in an air-conditioned place, wear light-weight clothing and check on friends and family members who are elderly or have a health condition."
All Californians, living in or planning to visit areas where daytime temperatures are expected to surpass the 90- and 100-degree marks during the day and remain in the 70 degree range overnight, should prepare for the hot weather and use caution in their activities.
State emergency management and health officials also caution that if a person has difficulty, due to a disability or medical condition, regulating their body temperature, they should leave their air conditioner set at a comfortable level and take any other necessary precautions to protect themselves.
The CAISO declared Wednesday and Thursday "Flex Alert Days," urging California consumers to conserve energy and reduce demand on the system during the peak hours of 4:00-6:00 p.m. While reducing air conditioning use is one way to conserve energy, people whose health could be compromised should not put themselves at risk. Additional tips on reducing energy use can be found at www.fypower.org.
To avoid heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other heat-related complications, state officials recommended that Californians:
- Create a cooler environment by making sure that window air conditioners are installed snugly, making sure that window air conditioners and air conditioning ducts are properly insulated, weather stripping doors and sills and placing window reflectors made of cardboard covered with aluminum foil between windows and drapes.
- Drink plenty of water, especially when taking medication.
- Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing.
- Avoid physical activities during periods of peak temperatures.
- Check-on neighbors and family members to ensure they are not being harmed by the heat.
- Watch for signs of heat-related illness, including fatigue, nausea, headache and vomiting.
- Visit malls, theaters and other public places that are air-conditioned if they don't have their own air conditioning.
To protect California's workers, Cal/OSHA's first in the nation heat illness prevention regulations are in place to provide workers and employers with guidelines and requirements for preventing heat illness and information on what to do should a worker become sick. More information can be found at www.dir.ca.gov/heatillness.
For more information on heat safety, visit www.oes.ca.gov.
