As California experiences more frequent and severe heat waves brought on by the climate crisis, Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday launched “Heat Ready CA,” a statewide, multi-ethnic awareness and education campaign designed to keep Californians safe during extreme heat.
The $20 million, two-year campaign targets heat-sensitive groups at highest risk, including those over 65, workers and people with chronic illnesses, disabilities or who are pregnant.
"The impacts of climate change have never been clearer: Heat waves continue to increase in our state and across the West, putting millions of Californians at risk," Newsom said.
“California is launching Heat Ready CA as another tool in the state’s arsenal to protect people from extreme heat. We are asking everyone to stay alert to changing weather patterns and take the necessary steps to keep themselves and their families safe from deadly heat waves,” she added.
The release comes amid forecasts of extreme heat for much of California and the U.S. Southwest that the National Weather Service says will “rival some of the worst heat waves this area has ever seen.”
California is expected to move into Phase II of its Extreme Temperature Response Plan today, which calls for increased coordination between state agencies and local partners. Excessive heat watches and warnings are in effect across the southern half of the state, with additional watches, warnings and advisories possible farther north, including in the San Joaquin Valley. The highest temperatures are currently forecast Wednesday through Sunday.
“Heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, as well as respiratory problems, are among the potentially dangerous effects of extreme heat,” said Dr. Mark Ghaly, California’s Secretary of Health and Human Services. “But as with earthquakes, floods or other natural weather events, Californians can best protect themselves and others with a few simple tips.”
Californians are encouraged to close blinds, windows and curtains during extreme heat, as well as set air conditioners between 75 and 80 degrees. If air conditioning is not available, find a local cooling center or other air-conditioned public space such as libraries, shopping malls, and community centers, among others.
They also encourage people to try to stay inside and wear loose, light-colored, lightweight clothing. While spending time in the water is refreshing on hot summer days, many California rivers are running faster, while lakes are deeper and colder than in recent years, making them more dangerous than usual, even for good swimmers.
Staying hydrated is essential. Drink at least two glasses of water every hour, even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. Finally, it is important to take care of yourself and each other. Monitor friends and family, especially older relatives or neighbors. Call 911 for signs of a high fever — 103°F or higher — or for other emergencies.
Scientists project that all of California will be affected by higher average temperatures and more frequent, potentially deadly heat waves in the coming years and decades, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable communities.
Heat Ready CA is a public outreach and awareness campaign led by the Governor’s Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC), a newly established office that manages the state’s highest priority public engagement efforts.
Through integrated outreach, advertising, social media, and influencer engagement, the campaign meets people where they are through a culturally sensitive approach. Heat Ready CA is engaging more than 100 trusted messengers including multi-ethnic community organizations, ethnic media, meteorologists, and other partners across the state, who will conduct outreach in every county in California in more than 30 languages.
The campaign website is available in English at HeatReadyCA.com, in Spanish in CuidateDelCalorCA.com and soon in 10 Asian languages. The website offers tips and resources for Californians, including those most vulnerable to heat-related health problems, such as older adults, people with disabilities and chronic illnesses, pregnant people, young children, urban residents, and those without easy access to air conditioning or natural heat, among others.
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