Solano, Yolo Counties Under Red Flag Warning, Heat Advisory

SOLANO COUNTY, CA – With Solano County under a red flag warning and excessive heat watch through Sunday evening of this weekend, officials with the National Weather Service and county urged the public to take precautions.

"Heat like this only happens a few times each year, with temperatures expected to get as high as 108 degrees in some areas and little cooling overnight," said Matthew Davis, spokesperson for the county. "These triple-digit temperatures may create a substantial health risk and heat-related illnesses are possible."

As for the red flag warning — meaning critical fire weather conditions or strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures are either occurring or will shortly — it goes into effect at midnight and lasts through 8 p.m. Sunday.

The Northern California red flag warning applies but is not limited to the Southern Sacramento Valley in Yolo-Sacramento, Far Western Placer, southern Sutter and Solano County below 1,000 feet and the Carquinez Strait and Delta.

Residents are encouraged to refrain from burning fires outdoors, as any fire has the potential to rapidly spread.

HEAT-RELATED PRECAUTIONS

The populations most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses are the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, the homeless, people with serious chronic medical conditions and those without air conditioning at home.

“Heat-related illnesses can happen to anyone, which is why it is very important to stay in a cool location and drink lots of water,” said Dr. Bela Matyas, the County’s Public Health Officer. “Some people are more at risk than others. Everyone should take precautions, especially those who are frail and sensitive to the heat. During a heat wave, it is important not to leave children, elderly people or pets unattended in homes with no air conditioning or in vehicles even if the windows are ‘cracked’ or open.”

Matyas urged residents to check on neighbors, friends and family, especially the elderly and those who are living alone and encourage them to stay in air-conditioned areas as much as possible.

"Tell them to seek medical care immediately if they have symptoms of heat-related illnesses," Matyas said.

County health officials encourage taking the following precautions to prevent serious health effects or heat-related illnesses:

STAY COOL

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings and shelters, including the mall, library or public cooling center
• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device
• Limit outdoor activities, especially during mid-day, and avoid direct sunlight
• Reschedule strenuous activities to the early morning and evening
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing
• Take cool showers or baths to lower body temperatures
• Do not leave children or pets unattended in vehicles under any circumstances
• Wear sunscreen – sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool down and can add to dehydration

STAY HYDRATED

• Drink more fluids than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink
• Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside
• Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar
• Make sure your family, friends and neighbors drink enough water

STAY INFORMED

• Keep your friends, family and neighbors aware of weather and heat safety information
• Check your local news for extreme heat warnings and safety tips
• Recognize the signs of a heat illness – if you think it may be life threatening, call 911
• Know the signs of heat-related illnesses
• Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat-related illness is a spectrum of disorders due to environmental factors, specifically heat exposure. Symptoms can be minor, with heat rash, cramps, headache and fatigue, to more severe and even life-threatening conditions like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION

• Weakness
• Skin is cold, pale and clammy
• Weak pulse
• Fainting and vomiting

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• Move to a cooler location
• Lie down and loosen your clothing
• Apply cool, wet clothes to as much of your body as possible
• Drink plenty of water (avoid caffeine and alcohol)
• If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately

SYMPTOMS OF HEAT STROKE

• High body temperature (above 103 degrees F)
• Hot, red, dry or moist skin
• Rapid and strong pulse
• Possible unconsciousness

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has these symptoms
• Move the person to a cooler environment
• Reduce the person’s body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath
• Do NOT provide fluids

Visit www.CDC.Gov/ExtremeHeat for more tips and information for preventing heat-related illness.

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