The City of Folsom reminds you to take steps to keep cool as the temperatures climb this summer. Keep as cool and hydrated as possible; drink plenty of water, get some relief from the heat for a couple of hours a day, and limit outside activities if possible. Cooling down a few hours a day will allow the body to recover and tolerate the heat better for the rest of the day.
Tips for Beating the Heat:
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of cool water. Avoid alcohol. Avoid hot, heavy meals.
- Limit sun exposure – When possible, stay in air conditioning on hot days. If you don’t have air conditioning, take cool showers or freeze a wet cloth to wipe down your head and neck.
- Check on loved ones – Be sure to check on less-mobile or older friends, family, and neighbors who live alone, don’t have air conditioning, or are hesitant to use their air conditioner.
- Clothing – Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing
- Avoid the hottest part of the day – If you must be outside, try to stick to the cooler morning and evening hours. Wear light, loose clothing and take frequent, shaded, or air-conditioned breaks. Do not exercise outside during the hottest part of the day.
- Beware of hot cars – Never leave a person or a pet in a parked car, even for a short time. On a mild 80-degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 100-degrees in fewer than 10 minutes.
- Keep your pets cool – Give your pets plenty of fresh, clean water. Don’t exercise your pets in high temperatures or when the pavement is hot. Make sure they have a shady place to get out of the sun or bring them indoors.
- Sunscreen – Protect your skin against cancer, burns, and skin damage by using SPF 30 or higher.
- Stay informed – Watch your local weather forecasts so you can plan outdoor activities safely and pay attention to any extreme heat alerts.
Elderly and other at-risk individuals need to take precautions to avoid heat stress. Due to age or chronic medical conditions, some do not adjust well to sudden changes in temperature or don’t recognize the danger during heat spells.
Warning signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating
- Paleness
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
Warning signs for heat stroke are severe and include:
- High body temperature
- Absence of sweating and hot red or flushed, dry skin
- Rapid pulse
- Difficulty breathing
- Strange behavior/hallucinations/confusion/agitation
- Seizure
- Coma
- If you or someone you know is experiencing any severe symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Resources:
Protect Your Pet During Hot Weather
Failing to keep cool in extreme temperatures can cause adverse health effects for both people and animals. Unlike humans, cats and dogs cannot sweat to keep cool; they cool their bodies off through panting and the pads of their feet.
Here are some tips for keeping your pet safe from the heat:
- Never leave your dog in a parked car: Even cracking a window won’t protect your pets. It is against the law in California and could be punishable by a fine or imprisonment. A car can reach 120 degrees in just minutes; even if the windows are slightly open the car can still reach 102 degrees. A dog's normal temperature is 101.5 degrees; at 120 degrees your pet can suffer from heat exhaustion and die and at 107 degrees brain damage occurs.
- Avoid extreme heat: When temperatures get above the 90s, take your pet inside. For outdoor pets, be sure to provide them with plenty of fresh, cold water in a tip-proof water dish and shade for them to cool down.
- Don’t exercise with your pets when it is too hot: Older and certain long-haired dogs can be particularly susceptible to heat, and hot asphalt can burn their paws. Exercise in the early morning or cool evenings and make sure both of you have plenty of water.
- Use sunscreen: Pets get sunburned just like people, and if your pet has light skin, they can be particularly susceptible to a painful burn, and even skin cancer. Use sunscreen on sensitive areas, such as ears or nose to make sure your pets are protected.
- Be your pet’s lifeguard: While swimming can help pets get exercise without overheating, always supervise pets when swimming either in a pool or in area waterways. Dogs can get tired swimming, particularly in rivers where they have to fight against currents. To avoid drowning, make sure they wear life jackets and keep them out of the water when flows are high.
If pets have been exposed to high temperatures…
- Be alert for signs of heat stress including heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.
- Immediately move your pet to the shade to lower their temperature. Apply cool (not cold) water to the pet, apply ice packs and cool towels to your pet’s head, neck and chest.
- Take your pet to a veterinarian immediately. It could save your pet’s life.
Learn more about heat-related animal issues by visiting Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation Hot Weather Pet Tips page.
