Mackenzie Jackson | California Black Media
(CBM) – Around noon on the Fourth of July, for the exercise enthusiasts walking and jogging around Warner Center Park in Los Angeles’ Woodland Hills neighborhood, it was more than just a walk in the park.
One visitor to the park, an African-American man in his 40s who asked not to be named, said the weather was “sweltering hot.”
“Exercising at this time of year is a much hotter experience than it was a few weeks ago,” the man continued, adding that this summer continues to get hotter and hotter.
Weather experts say Californians can’t expect the heatwaves to subside anytime soon, so people in most parts of the state will have to find ways to cope and survive the heat.
Much of California has been hit by a heat wave since the beginning of the month that could get worse by mid-July, said David Lawrence, a meteorologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
“How long this particular event will last is what I’m most concerned about,” he explained. “For many inland locations, daytime highs will reach 100 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit each afternoon. Overnight lows will only drop into the 70s or stay in the low 80s Fahrenheit in some places, without much mitigation.”
At a press conference on July 2, Lawrence spoke about the current weather conditions, the dangers they pose, and what Californians need to know to stay safe during this summer’s heatwaves.
The online briefing was organized by Listos California, the state’s disaster preparedness program, and hosted by Ethnic Media Services and California Black Media. State emergency planners and frontline responders spoke at the press conference.
Regina Wilson, executive director of California Black Media, said the heat wave will create dangerous fire conditions, with temperatures likely to reach triple digits in parts of the state’s interior.
“Without proper heat protection measures, this level of heat could pose a danger to all residents,” she said. “As we move toward summer, warmer and drier conditions mean California will face increased wildfire risk – wildfire smoke, heat, power outages and unsafe water quality.”
On the same day as the press conference, the Thompson Fire began burning in Butte County, Northern California. At the time of writing, the fire had destroyed 25 structures and injured two firefighters. It was 55% contained.
The French Fire, which broke out in the town of Mariposa in the Sierra Nevada foothills on July 4, burned more than 1.3 square miles before firefighters were able to contain it. That same day, another fire, the Sharp Fire, broke out in Simi Valley, Los Angeles. That fire was 60% contained.
The state emergency preparedness agency, Ristos California, is partnering with community groups to Resource Hub It was built around an education campaign to help Californians prepare for heat-related disasters.
Dr. Rita Nguyen, California’s assistant health secretary and public health director for the California Department of Public Health, said people are underestimating how dangerous heat waves can be.
“Heat waves directly kill more people than any other weather disaster,” she said. A 69-year-old homeless man in San Jose died from the heat on July 3.
Nguyen added that the province does not have accurate data on the number of health emergencies or deaths caused by the heatwave.
She said those most affected by heat-related health problems include children and young children, the elderly, pregnant women, people who work outdoors or indoors without air conditioning, people with disabilities, the homeless and those with low incomes.
“Heat stroke can be fatal to anyone because it is not related to absolute temperature,” she explained. “People who are not used to hot temperatures can also develop heat stroke when the temperature rises suddenly. If the temperature does not drop overnight and it remains hot for a long period of time, the risk of health problems and death from heat stroke increases.”
Warning signs of heat stroke include confusion, vomiting, fainting, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, pale skin, fatigue, irritability and dizziness.
Staying hydrated, staying cool, and keeping an eye on the weather forecast are ways to prevent heatstroke. Nguyen recommends avoiding drinks with sugar, caffeine, and alcohol, which can lead to dehydration.
Charlene Gloriani, a senior safety engineer with the California Department of Occupational Safety and Health, said state law requires businesses with employees who work outdoors, such as agricultural workers, to provide free, clean water and plenty of shade to prevent heatstroke.
“Shaded areas do not pose a health or safety hazard,” she explained. “If temperatures are above 95 degrees, a buddy system should be in place and employees should be monitored for signs of heatstroke. Hydration should be encouraged and cool-down breaks should be taken every two hours.”
Sacramento Fire Department Captain Andrew Ramos said people should stay safe when using rivers, lakes and other bodies of water to cool off on hot days.
“Each of you needs to monitor your own safety,” Ramos said, encouraging people to wear life jackets. “Even if you have family members who can swim, make sure they’re wearing them.”
to get Access more information and resources about extreme heat To stay healthy and cool.
