Heat Advisory

What it Means:

An extreme heat warning is the highest level of threat to the City of Oakland. This is issued when extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring. There may be minimal or no relief to local temperatures overnight.

What to Do:

Avoid outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day. If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. 

Stay indoors in an air-conditioned space as much as possible, including overnight. Check on family and neighbors. 

What it Means:

A heat advisory is the second highest level of threat. This is issued for dangerous heat conditions that are less severe but can still cause negative health effects. Overnight temperatures may also remain high and provide little relief.

What to Do:

Consider postponing or rescheduling outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day. If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade.

Stay in a cool place, especially during the heat of the day and evening. 

What it Means:

An extreme heat watch, sometimes referred to as an excessive heat watch, is issued when conditions are favorable for an extreme heat event but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain. 

What to Do:

Plan to suspend all major outdoor activities if a warning is issued.

Make necessary preparations for a potential excessive heat event, especially if you do not have air conditioning. Locate the nearest cooling center or shelter, discuss staying with nearby family or friends who have air conditioning, and make preparations for potential power outages in the event the power grid is overloaded during an extreme heat event. 

Heat cramps are the mildest form of heat illness and consists of painful muscle cramps and spasms that occur during or after intense exercise and sweating in high heat.

Potential Signs and Symptoms

• Painful cramps, especially in the legs
• Flushed, moist skin
• Rash (heat rash)

First-aid and treatment

• Move to a cool place and rest. Do not continue to participate in the activity.
• Remove excess clothing and place cool cloths on skin; fan skin.
• Give cool sports drinks containing salt and sugar.
• Stretch cramped muscles slowly and gently

Heat exhaustion is more severe than heat cramps and results from a loss of water and salt in the body. It occurs in conditions of extreme heat and excessive sweating without adequate fluid and salt replacement. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body is unable to cool itself properly and, if left untreated, can progress to heat stroke. 

Potential Signs and Symptoms

• Muscle cramps
• Pale, moist skin
• Fever over 100.4 F
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Anxiety or faint feeling

First-aid and treatment

• Move to a cool place and rest.
• Remove excess clothing and place cool cloths on skin; fan skin.
• Give cool sports drinks containing salt and sugar.
• If no improvement or unable to take fluids, seek medical care immediately. IV (intravenous) fluids may be needed.

Heat stroke, the most severe form of heat illness, occurs when the body's heat-regulating system is overwhelmed by excessive heat. It is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

Potential Signs and Symptoms

• Warm, dry skin
• High fever, usually over 104 F
• Rapid heart rate
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Agitation
• Lethargy
• Stupor
• Seizures, coma, and death are possible

First-aid and Treatment

• Move to a cool place and rest.
• Call 9-1-1 or seek emergency medical care. Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency and needs to be treated by a doctor.
• Remove excess clothing and drench skin with cool water; fan skin.
• Place ice bags on the armpits and groin areas.
• Offer cool fluids if alert and able to safely swallow liquids.

Before an Excessive Heat Event

• Monitor weather reports for notice of a heat alert (see above).
• Keep on hand electrolyte drinks (or drink mix) and water.
• Check or have your air conditioning unit checked before the summer months to ensure it is working properly.
• Seal any cracks or leaks around your house to reduce the amount of warm air entering your home.
• Make contingency plans to modify, cancel, or postpone outdoor activities if an excessive heat event occurs. 
• Sign up for AC Alert so that you can be notified about the opening of cooling centers if necessary. 

During an Excessive Heat Event

• Never leave children and pets inside a vehicle. Temperatures can rise 20 degrees within 10 minutes.
• Limit time spent outdoors during the warmest part of the day.
• Stay hydrated and consume electrolyte or sports drinks.
• If you must spend time outdoors, take frequent breaks.
• Check on friends and neighbors, especially those with young children or those that are elderly as they are at increased susceptibility to heat illness.
• Be prepared for potential power outages. Increased demand for electricity could potentially overload the system. 
• If anyone is showing signs and symptoms of heat illness, seek medical assistance immediately. 

Cooling your Home

• Open your windows at night when temperatures cool to decrease the temperature of your home.
• Close all windows and blinds in the morning to keep out the heat.
• Many ceiling fans come with both a summer and winter mode. Know how to properly set the mode on your ceiling fan for the appropriate season.
• During a prolonged excessive heat event, overnight temperatures may not lower enough to provide relief. If your home is not equipped with air conditioning, consider visiting a designated cooling center. 

Workplace Safety

The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) as guidance regarding workplace safety (both indoors and outdoors) based on California State Laws. Refer to this DIR guide for more information including safety measures and mandatory requirements for employees.

Additionally, per Cal/OSHA regulation 3395, agricultural workers are entitled to a 10-minute cool-down rest period every two hours when temperatures reach 95 F or above.

After an Excessive Heat Event

• Replenish items that were consumed such as spare water bottles, electrolyte/sports drinks, cold packs, etc. 
• Continue to monitor for signs of heat illness for several hours after exposure to excessive heat. Your body may retain heat or have a delayed reaction to heat after the sun had set and temperatures have begun to lower.
• If the heat event caused the power to go out, make sure you throw away food that has been kept outside of the safe temperature range.