Feel the Temperature Rising

BEAT THE HEAT! Lake County and our region are currently under a National Weather Service Excessive Heat Warning. Risk of heat-related illness is higher than usual, with persistently high temperatures expected to exceed 105 degrees in portions of Lake County this Summer.  With these forecasts, the state is entering phase 2 of its Extreme Temperature Response Plan. 

As heat waves become more intense and frequent, extreme heat kills more Americans each year than any other extreme weather events, including wildfires, droughts, and floods. It’s important to stay aware and informed. When temperatures rise, County and Non-Governmental Organization-provided facilities may be made available to help residents Beat the Heat. 

Related information is available in the “Response” section at https://ready.lakecountyca.gov/.

Here is some information from Extreme Heat | Ready.gov on recognizing the signs of heat-related illness and making safe choices during hot weather:

• Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day

• If air conditioning is not available in your home, go to a cooled facility, like Lake County’s Library Branches and Peer Support Centers (details below)

• Take cool showers or baths

• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing

• Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home

• If you’re outside, find shade and wear a hat wide enough to protect your face

• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated (don’t wait until you’re thirsty!)

• Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors during midday heat, if possible

• Check on family members, older adults and neighbors

• Consider pet safety – if they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade

• Remember, asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet

• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke

• Remember, heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1

More information is available here, and at https://www.ready.gov/heat

YOUR PETS FEEL THE HEAT TOO!

Did you know that it’s illegal to leave your pets in the car in extreme heat? The inside of a car heats up very quickly. When it’s 85 degrees outside, the temperatures inside a car, even with the windows left slightly open, can reach to 102 degrees in 10 minutes, and reach 120 degrees in just half an hour! 

Leaving your pet in the car for even just a few minutes in extreme heat can result in its death. 597.7 (a) of the California Penal Code "Animals in Unattended Motor Vehicles" states: No person shall leave or confine an animal in any unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the health or well-being of an animal due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, or lack of food or water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to the animal. A first offense is a $100 fine, subsequent violations are $500.