Petaluma, Sonoma County Under Heat Advisory The county is opening cooling centers for those needing respite from the heat.
PETALUMA, CA — Sonoma County Health Officer Dr. Tanya Phares has issued a health advisory in response to the National Weather Service's heat advisory and excessive heat warning for much of the county from 11 a.m. Monday through 11 p.m. Wednesday.
The National Weather Service's advisory applies to inland and coastal areas of Sonoma County. In Petaluma, high temperatures are forecast to reach 104 on Wednesday and 103 on Tuesday.
In response to the heat wave, the county will open cooling centers beginning Tuesday.
Locations include:
North County: Geyserville Park & Ride, Tuesday 10/01- Thursday 10/03 from 12 p.m. -8 p.m.West County: Guerneville Public Library 14107 Armstrong Woods Road, Tuesday 10/01 – Wednesday 10/02 normal business hours (close at 8 p.m.)Sonoma Valley: City of Sonoma Public Library 755 W Napa St., Tuesday 10/01 – Wednesday 10/02 normal business hours (close at 8 p.m.)Santa Rosa: Finley Community Center, 2060 W. College Ave. Santa Rosa, Tuesday, Oct. 1, and Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.Such weather conditions can cause heat stroke and worsen chronic medical conditions, leading to severe complications and death. Dr. Phares urges residents to take simple steps to stay cool and help prevent heat-related illnesses.
"Extreme heat can pose dangers, but there are things we can do to prevent heat-related health issues and stay safe," said Dr. Phares. "Stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and avoid strenuous activities."
The county urges everyone to follow the tips below:
Never leave anyone, including children or pets, in a parked car, even briefly. Temperatures in the car can become dangerous within a few minutes.Use air-conditioning to cool down or go to an air-conditioned building, such as a mall or movie theater. Drink plenty of fluids. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more fluids. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.Beat the heat with cool showers and baths.Stay out of the sun as much as possible.When possible, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.) and take regular breaks from physical activity.Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing to help keep cool.Wear sunscreen and a ventilated hat (e.g., straw or mesh) when in the sun, even if it is cloudy.Be aware that some medicines affect the body's ability to sweat and stay cool, including antihistamines, antidepressants, over-the-counter sleeping pills, anti-diarrhea pills, beta blockers and psychiatric drugs. Do NOT stop taking medication unless instructed to do so by your doctor.Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly or those in poor health to see if they need assistance.Don't walk your dogs in the heat. Pavement temperatures can be 40 to 60 degrees hotter than air temperatures. Always check the pavement to see if it is cool enough for them to walk on. Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include the following:
High body temperature (103°F or higher)Hot, red, dry or damp skinFast, strong pulseLosing consciousness (passing out)If someone near you experiences these symptoms, do the following:
Call 911 right away-heat stroke is a medical emergencyMove the person to a cooler placeHelp lower the person's temperature with cool cloths or a cool bathDo not give the person anything to drink
