Transparency Are You Heat Ready?
California Launches ” Heat Ready CA” campaign to help protect communities from extreme heat, which is the deadliest form of climate-driven extreme weather.
As California experiences more frequent and sever heat waves driven by the climate crisis, Governor Gavin Newsom launched Heat Ready CA (HeatReadyCA.com), one of the nation’s first statewide multi-ethnic awareness and education campaigns designed to keep Californians safe during extreme heat.
Tips for Staying Cool
Stay Cool (During the Hottest Times of the Day)
- People without air conditioning should check for cooling centers or visit public locations such as a library or shopping mall.
- Avoid physical exertion or exercising outdoors.
- Wear lightweight, light colored, loose clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen
Stay Hydrated
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, even when not thirsty; drink sports drinks (in moderation with water) to help replace electrolytes lost during exercise.
- Avoid sugary, alcoholic, and very cold drinks.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
Stay Connected
- Monitor people at high risk of heat-related illness including infants and young children; people 65 years of age or older; individuals with chronic illness, disabilities or who are pregnant.
- Californians are also encouraged to check in on their neighbors, call or visit vulnerable people, and offer to pick up groceries, medication, and other necessities. Older adults, young children and babies, people with chronic medical conditions and those who are pregnant are most vulnerable.
- Use a buddy system when working in the heat.
- Keep pets indoors, with plenty of water.
Stay Informed
Check the local news for weather forecasts, extreme heat alerts, and cooling centers.
Additional Resources
- Find your local Cooling Center
- Neighbor Check-ins
- Heat Ready CA campaign
- Heat & Summer Safety toolkit
- Extreme Heat resources
- Tips for Treating Heat-Related Illness
- Listos California Summer of Safety
- California Heat Assessment Tool
- Tips for Preventing Heat Related Illness
- Sun Safety
- Monitor the weather forecast in your area by Zip code
- Heat and People with Chronic Health Conditions
- Heat and Older Adults
- Subscribe to Flex Alerts
Are you Ready for Winter Weather?
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is excited to share the first Emergency Preparedness Bulletin posted on the Emergency Preparedness Consumer and Vendor pages. This bulletin addresses the topic of Winter Weather Safety. Winter weather and cold temperatures can be dangerous. Winter weather may include rain, snow, hail, flooding, strong winds, and very cold temperatures. Power outages also may happen. Stay safe and healthy by planning ahead and creating an emergency plan. This bulletin provides relevant emergency preparedness information as part of DDS’ ongoing effort to alert and educate individuals and direct service providers to specific risks identified with our community.