Ahead of first major heat wave of the year, here’s how California is keeping people safeMasood
06/09/2024
[ Article originally appeared in www.gov.ca.gov ]
With a heatwave impacting much of inland California this week, Governor Gavin Newsom today highlighted the state’s continued preparedness and response efforts and urged Californians to take steps to protect themselves from extreme heat. Beginning today, excessive heat watches and warnings will be in place. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), temperatures in the Central Valley may reach up to 105 degrees, with Death Valley National Park likely reaching 118-121 degrees. Given this extreme weather, the state is entering phase 2 of its Extreme Temperature Response Plan, which is triggered by NWS predictions of excessive heat activity and moves the state into action to coordinate an all-hands response by the state government.
As the changing climate is making heat waves more intense and frequent, extreme heat kills more Americans each year than any other extreme weather events, including wildfires, droughts, and floods. Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, Governor Newsom announced the launch of ready.ca.gov – a new one-stop shop for Californians to prepare for emergencies and extreme weather. The new website is part of Listos California, which is a state effort that connects communities with in-language resources before, during and after emergencies. The Governor also visited the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to receive updates on the administration’s preparedness for summer and peak wildfire season. State agency actionsState efforts to prepare Californians for the increased temperatures include: Cal OES is coordinating with local governments and emergency managers on any regional needs. A current list of local cooling centers open by county can be found here. Through Listos California, Cal OES is deploying in-language preparedness messaging to California’s most impacted communities and those who may be most at risk during extreme temperatures, including those 65 years of age or older; individuals with chronic illness, disabilities or who are pregnant. In addition, through the state’s Priority Populations Task Force, Cal OES convenes over 20 agencies to coordinate state resources, identify and address unmet needs, and ensure comprehensive preparedness and response in support of Californians at greatest risk. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is also reminding employers to protect workers from heat illness during high temperatures by providing water, rest, shade and training. Field inspectors are conducting targeted inspections at worksites where workers are most vulnerable to heat illness including in agriculture and construction. Details on heat illness prevention requirements and training materials are available online at 99calor.org. Cal/OSHA’s heat illness prevention standard applies to all outdoor worksites. The Government Operations Agency has coordinated messaging to all state employees on increased temperature preparedness and worked with building managers to reiterate state efficiencies during warmer days. The California Natural Resources Agency and state climate partners are putting actions in motion to increase climate resilience and address longer-term impacts of climate change and extreme heat events through the Extreme Heat Action Plan to Build Community Resilience. Efforts include resources for vulnerable and underserved communities, investments in shading communities through green schoolyards and urban forestry initiatives, and putting nature-based solutions to work to cool buildings and infrastructure. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has created a Heat & Summer Safety toolkit to provide resources and communication tools that can be shared, including the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. CDPH also develops heat guidance for schools, local health jurisdictions, and other community service providers to protect Californians, particularly heat-vulnerable populations like children, students, older adults, the unhoused, outdoor workers, and those with existing health conditions. How you can stay safer from extreme heatStay cool (During the hottest times of the day):
Stay hydrated:
Stay connected:
Stay informed:
Stay safe outdoors: Warm summer weather is causing continued snow melt from winter’s record snowpack, resulting in colder and faster water that continues today. Remember to always be safe around the water:
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