Extreme Heat Preparedness
Objectives What is extreme heat? How does it impact SF? What are the health effects of heat? How do we prepare for extreme heat?
Extreme Heat in the City What is extreme heat?
A Tale of Two Neighborhoods Chicago Heat Wave of 1995
Climate Change Effects http://epa.gov/climatestudents/scientists/clues.html
What is extreme heat? High temperature weather; above average San Francisco: 85 F+
Why is extreme heat important? Unseen hazard A major public health concern #1 cause of weather-related deaths Heat related illnesses are preventable!
Extreme Heat Projection
July 2006 Heat Wave Most severe, Longest heat wave in CA since 1948
San Francisco: July 2006 Heat Wave Peaked at 95 High night temperature Elderly, people with medical conditions, and limited access residents
What makes SF vulnerable? Not adapted No air conditioners Urban city environment Population
Predicted Warm Neighborhoods
Vulnerable Neighborhoods Chinatown Nob Hill Financial District Downtown Civic Center South of Market Western Addition Mission Potrero Hill Bayview Excelsior Haight Ashbury Castro/Upper Market Noe Valley
Be Aware What are the health effects of extreme heat?
Who is at-risk? Infants & young children Elderly Persons who: Overweight/obese Disabled Chronic conditions Use certain medications/ illegal drugs Work or exercise outside
Activity
What are heat illnesses? Sun Burn Skin burn Fever Heat Spasm Muscle cramp from over sweating Heat Exhaustion Thirst Cool & moist skin Weak or fast pulse Shallow or fast breathing Respiratory problems
What are heat illnesses? Heat Stroke High body temp. Hot & dry skin Rapid & strong pulse No sweat Headache Dizziness Nausea Confusion Unconsciousness Convulsions Heat strokes are life-threatening.
When to seek medical attention Call 911 immediately: Signs of heat stroke Symptoms worsen or do not subside in a hour Body temperature 103 F or higher Victim is an at-risk person
Be Prepared How can we prepare for extreme heat?
How to stay cool Cool down Shaded or air-conditioned Cool compresses or water Hydrate Drink water or sports drink Hydration solution: 2 tbs sugar, ½ tsp salt, 1 quart water Rest
What to do Wear appropriate clothing Eat small meals & drink water Take cool showers or baths Monitor weather conditions Check on seniors & the disabled
What Not to Do AVOID Peak hours (10am to 4pm) Intense exercise Alcoholic, caffeinated, or sugared drinks Foods high in protein or salt Use of illegal drugs
What to do at home Do not use the stove or oven Get a home thermometer Be aware of high indoor temperature Go to lowest floor
What to do at home If air-conditioning is not available: Shade windows House fan Cooling Center
What to do outside Avoid outdoors (10am-4pm) Hats and sunscreen Drink water (2-4 cups/hr) Hand-held fan Shaded areas NEVER leave an infant, child, or pet in vehicle
Actions for your agency Present to your staff & clients Partner with other agencies Emphasize the buddy system
How the city will respond Public notifications Radio stations 680 AM 740 AM 810 AM Collaboration and coordination Cooling Centers
Let s Review What did we learn about extreme heat?
1. Who are most at risk?
1. Who are most at risk? Infants, small children and elders, also: overweight/obese, people with disabilities or medical conditions, people taking certain medication/illegal drugs, people who work or exercise outside
2. What is the most severe heat illness? What are the symptoms?
2. What is the most severe heat illness? What are the symptoms? Heat Stroke: high body temp., hot & dry skin, rapid & strong pulse, no sweat, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, unconsciousness, convulsions
3. How do you cool down and hydrate?
3. How do you cool down and hydrate? Cool down Shaded or Air-conditioned environment Cold compresses or cool water Hydrate Drink plenty of water or sports drink Hydration solution
4. What are the peak hours to avoid the outdoors?
4. What are the peak hours to avoid the outdoors? 10 am 4 pm
Resources San Francisco Department of Public Health Climate Change Initiative www.sfdph.org/dph/eh/climatechange California Department of Public Health www.bepreparedcalifornia.ca.gov Centers for Disease Control www.cdc.gov/extremeheat Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Population Health Division San Francisco Department of Public Health
Thank you Environmental Health Services Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response