as Excessive Heat Watch now extended to Wednesday, September 7, community members are encouraged to take precautions to protect themselves from the heat now!
Santa Cara County, CA. Sept 4, 2022– The National Weather Service (NWS) has extended the Excessive Heat Watch through Wednesday, September 7, for the coastal and bayside areas of the Bay Area, which includes Santa Clara County. Temperatures are forecasted to be in the mid-90s and over 100 degrees for inland areas. Cooling Centers remain open throughout Santa Clara County until Wednesday, September 7 to protect the public during the current heat wave.
The NWS forecasts potentially high heat risk for vulnerable populations across the interior valleys of the Bay Area, especially for those with limited access to cooling, as well as pets and livestock. Limited overnight cooling may exacerbate heat-related illness. Potential impacts include heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The most vulnerable include outdoor workers, those without air conditioning, young children, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions and people using nonprescription medication.
All County Libraries are open TODAY, Sunday, September 4th and operating as Cooling Centers for community members in need of a safe, air-conditioned space, and the public should check the complete list for days and times. Additional Cooling Centers are also open in many locations throughout Santa Clara County. For the complete listings, go towww.PrepareSCC.org/HotWeather.
For community members who need transportation to the Cooling Centers, the Valley Transportation Authority is offering free rides to Cooling Centers in Santa Clara County. To see the service lines to Cooling Centers, please visithttps://www.vta.org/blog/vta-offers-free-rides-santa-clara-county-cooling-centers.
For VTA Access Paratransit, please call (408) 321-2380. This service is also free during the heat wave to Santa Clara County Cooling Centers. Please allow up to 3 hours for pick up and it is best to make plans as soon as possible.
Community Cooling Centers are also available and independently operated. To find the complete list of Community Cooling Centers please go tohttps://cadresv.org/response-relief/.
Santa Clara County community members are encouraged to check in frequently with older adults and those with chronic conditions who are especially vulnerable to the heat, including family, friends, and neighbors. If you see someone who may be experiencing distress due to the heat, please call 911. All residents are encouraged to take heat safety measures, including the following:
- Drink plenty of water and beverages containing electrolytes even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, or lots of sugar because they can speed up fluid loss.
- Limit physical activity during peak heat hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Never leave people or pets in a closed, parked car.
- Cool off by taking a bath or shower.
- Wear light weight, light colored, and loose-fitting clothing to help you keep cool.
- Do not bundle babies or put them in heavy clothing.
- Wear a wide-brimmed, vented hat or use an umbrella when outdoors.
- Wear sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Rest often and find shady places to cool down when outdoors.
- Check on family, friends, and neighbors.
- People taking medications should take extra precautions to stay out of the heat. Drugs such as stimulants can increase body core temperature and may predispose individuals to hyperthermia.
For additional information (in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese), please visit www.PrepareSCC.org/HotWeather.
