Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a heat advisory that is in effect through 10 PM Thursday, September 10, affecting Marin County and most other Bay Area communities.
The temperatures expected during the advisory can affect anyone without access to adequate cooling or hydration, but those most at risk include children, older adults, people experiencing homelessness, individuals with pre-existing conditions, indoor and outdoor workers, emergency responders, low-income communities, pregnant individuals, and athletes.
September and October are historically Marin's hottest. The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) are urging the community not to treat this week's heat as an isolated hot spell, but as the start of an extended period of vigilance.
“"This week's heat is a reminder that we're heading into Marin's highest-risk months for extreme temperatures,” said Dr. Lisa Santora, the County’s Public Health Officer. "Learn about the warning signs of heat related illnesses now so you can help take care of your people.”
To stay safe this week:
- Stay cool. Limit time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, between 10 AM and 4 PM. If needed, go to a cool place such as a mall or library for relief from heat.
- Stay hydrated. Drink more water than usual and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine as they increase the heat’s effects on your body.
- Set your thermostat to 74°F to lower cooling energy use.
- Check on others, especially older adults, young children, and anyone who may be more vulnerable to heat.
- Be prepared for power outages and have a plan to stay cool if the power goes out. People who rely on electrically operated medical equipment should ensure backup batteries are charged.
- Stay informed. Monitor the forecast with your local weather channel and stay aware of changing conditions.
- Sign up for emergency alerts through the AlertMarin emergency notification system so you can receive important information directly from trusted sources.
Visit ReadyMarin to learn more about staying safe during extreme heat and protecting those around you.
Warning Signs of Heat Problems
- Heat cramps are painful, involuntary muscle spasms that usually occur during heavy exercise in the heat. If you suspect heat cramps, rest, cool down, and hydrate with an electrolyte-containing sports drink. Call your health care provider if your cramps don't go away within one hour or so.
- Heat exhaustion is a condition that happens when your body overheats. Symptoms may include thirst, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, heavy sweating and a rapid pulse. If you think you have heat exhaustion: stop all activity and rest; move to a cooler place; drink cool water or sports drinks. Contact your health care provider if your symptoms get worse or they don't improve within one hour. If you're with someone who has heat exhaustion, seek immediate medical help if they become confused or distressed, lose consciousness, or are unable to drink.
- Heat stroke is most serious form of heat injury, heat stroke, can occur if your body temperature rises to 104° F (40° C) or higher. Heat stroke requires emergency treatment. Signs and symptoms include: altered mental state or behavior, alteration in sweating, hot and dry or flushed skin, nausea, and vomiting, rapid breathing, racing heart rate, and headache. If you think a person may be experiencing heat stroke, seek immediate medical help. Call 911 and take immediate action to cool the overheated person while waiting for emergency treatment.