Sacramento County is known for both hot summers and cold winters. Without adequate preparation and protection, people and pets can suffer ill health effects. Occasionally, weather conditions may be extreme enough to constitute an emergency. Whether an emergency is declared or not, follow common sense protective practices.
Heat-related illness
The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn't enough. In such cases, a person's body temperature rises rapidly.
Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs.
People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves.
Several factors affect the body's ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions related to risk include age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use.
These recommendations were derived from information published by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For more information, visit Extreme Heat | Natural Disasters and Severe Weather | CDC
