Inland communities in San Diego County often experience hotter weather than the coast, and extended heat waves are a real health risk. Preparation is simple and inexpensive, and it can protect everyone in the household, including older relatives, young children and pets.

Know the Warning Signs

Heat exhaustion can cause heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, headache, nausea and fainting. Heat stroke is an emergency, with signs such as a very high body temperature, hot and dry or damp skin, confusion, and loss of consciousness. If you suspect heat stroke, call 911 and move the person to a cooler place while waiting for help.

Prepare the Home Before the Heat Arrives

• Service the air conditioning system and replace filters before summer.
• Install blinds, curtains or reflective window film on sun-facing windows.
• Seal gaps around doors and windows, and consider attic insulation if rooms upstairs stay hot.
• Keep fans in good working order and have a plan for a power outage.
• Stock bottled water and electrolyte drinks.

During a Heat Wave

• Stay hydrated. Drink water regularly and do not wait until you feel thirsty. Limit alcohol and sugary drinks.
• Stay cool. Close blinds during the day, open windows when outdoor air cools in the evening, and use fans along with air conditioning.
• Adjust your schedule. Do outdoor chores in the early morning or after sunset.
• Dress lightly. Wear loose, light-colored clothing and a hat outdoors.
• Never leave people or pets in parked cars. The inside of a car can reach dangerous temperatures within minutes, even with the windows cracked.

Check on Vulnerable Neighbors

Older adults, infants, people with chronic conditions and those without air conditioning face higher risk. Call or visit neighbors and relatives during extreme heat and help them reach a cooling center if needed. The county and local agencies publish cooling center locations during heat advisories, so check official sources for current information.

Protecting Pets

Dogs and cats can overheat quickly. Provide plenty of fresh water and shade, and keep animals indoors during the hottest hours. Walk dogs in the early morning or late evening, and test pavement with the back of your hand before you go; if it is too hot for you to hold for several seconds, it can burn paw pads. Flat-faced breeds, older animals and overweight pets are at particular risk. Signs of overheating include heavy panting, drooling, weakness and vomiting, and they call for immediate veterinary attention. Livestock and outdoor animals also need shade, water and ventilation.

Make a Simple Heat Plan

Write down what you will do when a heat advisory is issued: who will check on whom, where you will go if the power fails, and what you will do about pets and outdoor animals. Keep a list of phone numbers for your veterinarian and local emergency services. Practice the plan with children so that they know to drink water, rest in shade and tell an adult when they feel unwell. A few minutes of planning can prevent a serious emergency.

Prepare for Power Problems

Heat waves can strain the electrical grid. Know how to report an outage, keep phones charged and sign up for local emergency alerts. Fire danger can also rise with hot, dry conditions, so keep an evacuation plan and go-bag ready.

Staying cool and informed makes it possible to get through even long hot spells safely.