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PROTECT YOURSELF AND FAMILY DURING EXTREME HEAT EVENTS
DURING EXTREME HEAT, CHECK ON FRIENDS AND FAMILY
OFFICE OF COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
EXTREME HEAT
The Extreme Heat Campaign is a new public awareness and community engagement campaign by the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC) aimed at proactively reaching communities most impacted by extreme heat events.
As with previous campaigns, OCPSC will collaborate and coordinate across the state agencies to provide Californians the information and resources to avoid dangers of extreme heat. OCPSC will launch rapid response campaigns to quickly activate resources needed to help keep Californians, their families, and their communities safe.
CHALLENGE
- California's climate is becoming hotter and drier. Every corner of the state is being hit by more frequent and severe heat. Just last summer, the West coast broke over 1,000 temperature records during a 10 day heatwave.
- More Californians are suffering from extreme heat. As extreme weather conditions become more severe, Californians need to learn how to adjust to hotter days and minimize the health consequences of extreme heat - especially in the state's most vulnerable communities.
OUR APPROACH
- Educate Californians on what extreme heat waves are, how to stay safe during them, and what resources are available to help.
- Messaging will focus on how vulnerable Californians can stay safe and mitigate the consequences of living in today's hotter climates - including taking safety measures (staying indoors and in shade, drinking fluids and visiting nearby cooling centers).
- Building in California's Extreme Heat Action Plan, OCPSC will apply best practices from other recent, successful public awareness initiatives - like the 2020 Census and COVID-19 Vaccination efforts - by supporting paid media, community partnerships, outreach, and content development.
ABOUT US
The Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC) manages the state's most pressing community engagement and public awareness efforts.
The office coordinates statewide outreach efforts with community partners to directly engage Californians - particularly those experiencing the greatest health and social inequities - and provide them with culturally competent and accessible information and resources.
WHAT IS EXTREME HEAT?
Heat waves happen when hot, humid weather lasts 2+ days without cooling off at night. Cities get hotter since they have move buildings and pavement that keep heat.
MAKE A PLAN FOR EXTREME HEAT
Know when it's going to be hot, and where you can go to get cool:
1. Cooling center
2. Library
3. Community center or shopping mall
4. At home, keep blinds and drapes closed to keep heat out, and use fans
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I'M SUFFERING FROM EXTREME HEAT?
1. Call 911 if suffering a heat stroke
2. Move to a cool place
3. Help lower your body's temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
4. Sip water or a sports drink
WHY SHOULD I PREPARE FOR EXTREME HEAT?
Extreme heat puts a lot of stress on your body, especially those who are elderly, pregnant have preexisting health conditions. Extreme heat exposure can make you very sick and can be deadly.
PREPARE FOR EXTREME HEAT
Why is extreme heat dangerous?
- Extreme heat is one of the deadliest of all extreme heat events.
- Everyone is at risk! A person of any age who has prolonged exposure to extreme heat may suffer from heat illness and even death.
Who is at highest risk?
- People with greater heat sensitivity or heat vulnerability are at an increased risk of heat illness and death, including other adults, young children, those with chronic health conditions, those who are pregnant, urban residents, and those who work in air-conditioned environments.
- Warning signs of heat illness vary, but may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting, paleness, tiredness, or dizziness.
Create your own heat plan checklist
- Make a plan for extreme heat that includes knowing the signs of heat illness, and helping friends and family.
- Check in on family and other vulnerable community members, such as those who are older, or those who have chronic health conditions.
- Know where your local cooling center is located and where to find transportation.
LETS MAKE SAVING WATER A WAY OF LIFE
- Fix leaks inside and outside your home.
- Plant water-wise and native plants.
- Only run full loads in the dishwasher & washing machine.
CALIFORNIA IS GETTING HOTTER AND DRIER
- Plan for extreme heat events.
- Stay cool in your home or find a cooling center, public library, or community center.
- Know the warning signs of heat related illnesses.
