MENDOCINO Co., 7/29/21 — The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Fire Weather Watch and a Red Flag Warning for Friday afternoon and evening in northeastern Mendocino County as well as parts of Lake and Trinity counties due to high heat and thunderstorms in the forecast. Thunderstorms are expected today, Friday and Saturday – but Friday afternoon and evening those lightning storms will combine with a heat wave for heightened fire risk.
People in the area are advised to exercise caution when handling open flames and other potential sources of ignition due to extreme fire weather conditions. There’s also an increased risk of heat related illness, especially for children and the elderly, as well as anyone working or recreating outdoors.
“If you must go out, avoid strenuous activity, such as running or heavy exercise, during the hottest part of the day,” officials with the Mendocino County Public Health Department said Thursday in a statement. “Take frequent breaks, stay in the shade, and wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.”
Area residents are advised to stay hydrated, check on elderly neighbors and family members (especially if they don’t have air conditioning) and be careful not to leave pets or small children in cars. A cooling center will be available at the Ukiah Valley Conference Center at 200 S. School Street, according to county health officials. Their full press release has been included below:
Mendocino County Experiencing Hot Temperatures: Take Precautions to
HHSA July 29, 2021 press release
Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses
With the upcoming high temperatures, the Mendocino County Public Health
Department reminds people to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses,
such as heat cramps, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion. The National Weather
Service has issued a heat advisory for Friday, July 30th from 10AM-8PM with
expected temperatures from 100 to 110 degrees for Mendocino County.
Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses to occur so please take precautions
to protect yourself and others. Drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun if
possible, and frequently check on people at risk for extreme heat, such as the
elderly, children under 4, people with existing medical conditions, and those
without access to air conditioning. Young children and pets should never be left
unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
If you must go out, avoid strenuous activity, such as running or heavy exercise,
during the hottest part of the day. Take frequent breaks, stay in the shade, and
wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.
Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If someone
is experiencing heat stroke, they should be moved to a cool place and be
cooled down with water if possible, and emergency medical help should be
called immediately.
At this time, due to low overnight temperatures and no anticipated power
outages, the Mendocino County Public Health Officer determined there is not a
safety need to open a cooling center. A cooling center will be available through
the City of Ukiah at the Ukiah Valley Conference Center: 200 S School St, Ukiah
CA 95482. Mendocino County Public Health will continue to monitor the heat
wave on a daily basis.
Heat stroke and exhaustion symptoms
| Symptoms | What to do | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Exhaustion | – Heavy sweating – Cold, pale, clammy skin – Fast, weak pulse – Nausea or vomiting – Muscle cramps – Tiredness or weakness – Dizziness – Headache – Fainting | – Move to a cool place – Loosen your clothes – Put cool, wet clothes on your body or take a cool bath – Sip water Get medical help right away if: – You are throwing up – Your symptoms get worse – Your symptoms last longer than one hour |
| Heat Stroke | – High body temperature (103℉ or higher) – Hot, red, dry, or damp skin – Fast, strong pulse – Headache – Dizziness – Nausea – Confusion – Fainting | – Call 911 immediately – Move person to a cooler place – Help lower temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath – Do NOT give the person anything to drink |
