By Nicholas Ibarra | OBSERVER Staff Writer
Due to the excessive heat through the holiday weekend, Sacramento County Division of Public Health and Office of Emergency Services are recommending that considerations be made to postpone or cancel outdoor events scheduled between Noon – 8:00 p.m., Saturday – Tuesday.
Events such as youth sports, community gatherings, parades, marches or any events including sensitive groups such as children, the elderly or those with compromised immune systems that may be negatively impacted by the heat.
Holiday weekends are for having fun, so keep yourself safe in order to stay out of the hospital! Heat exhaustion can come on suddenly and unexpectedly if people do not take precautions to protect themselves while outdoors in excessive heat. Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, redness, headache and nausea. To avoid heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses, take the following precautions:
· Hydrate – Drink plenty of water and electrolyte drinks such as Propel or Gatorade to replenish hydration. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
· Limit time outdoors, particularly during the hottest part of the day 2:00 – 8:00 p.m.
· While outdoors, seek out shade as much as possible.
· Wear sunscreen. A sunburn will make it harder for your body to regulate its temperature.
· Avoid any exercise or strenuous activity outdoors.
· If you do not have access to a cool space, utilize the cooling centers and spaces set up around the County.
For more tips on keeping you, your family and pets safe during hot weather, read the Severe Weather Tips story.
In the event of a large power outage, the County will provide critical information about safety and calls to action through Sac-Alert. Sign up to receive these lifesaving alerts directly to your phone or email at SacramentoAlert.org.