Editorial: Take precautions to stay cool during SCC heat advisories

Published in the July 12 – July 25, 2017 issue of Gilroy Life

Summertime heat waves came early to the South Valley when residents sweltered in triple-digit temperatures for several days in mid-June. And no doubt there will be more days in the 90s and 100s in the next three months. That’s why we encourage readers to use common sense and take precautions to ensure their physical safety when Santa Clara County sends out heat advisory notices.

The safety threat is real here in Gilroy, especially for infants, young children and the elderly. Take as a warning the recent example of a 72-year-old man and an 87-year-old woman, both from San Jose, who died June 19 from causes attributed to the extreme heat.

Every year, the public hears the sad news of an infant or toddler who died because a parent or guardian left them unattended in a vehicle, which can turn into a baking oven. But consider other dangerous situations where infants and young children can get dehydrated quickly. Make sure they are given plenty of cool water to drink. Keep children indoors or shaded as much as possible. And dress children in loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.

For Gilroy residents without air-conditioned shelter, the county recommends going the Senior Center, 7371 Hanna St., which is open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. In Morgan Hill the Community and Cultural Center and the Centennial Recreation Center are also open to the public on hot summer days.

Pets also face the threat of heat during the summer months. Along with support from Animal Services, Santa Clara County libraries are allowing pets inside their facilities during hot days. (Check with the library before bringing your pet.) This is being allowed during normal library hours to help residents and their pets cope with the excessive heat. Pets on leashes are encouraged. Crates may also be provided upon request.

Older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions should follow advice from Santa Clara County’s website:

During peak heat hours stay in an air-conditioned area. If you do not have access to air conditioning in your home, visit public facilities such as cooling centers, shopping malls, parks, and libraries to stay cool.

Older adults and those on certain medications may not exhibit signs of dehydration until several hours after dehydration sets in. Stay hydrated by frequently drinking cool water.

Stay out of the sun if you do not need to be in it. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, and loose-fitting, light-colored clothing with long sleeves and pants to protect against sun damage. And remember to use sunscreen and wear sunglasses.

Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke during days of dangerously high temperatures.

The American Red Cross’s website recommends that if someone is experiencing heat cramps in the legs or abdomen, get them to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle, and replenish their fluids with a half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes.

If someone show signs of heat exhaustion (such as cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness exhaustion), move them to a cooler place.

Remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Also fan the person to help bring their temperature down. If they are conscious, give them small amounts of cool water to drink and make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in their condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call the local emergency number for assistance

We encourage all our Gilroy Life readers to enjoy a summer of fun in the sun. Just remember when those sunny days get to extreme temperatures, take precautions for your and your loved one’s safety.