As California experiences more frequent and severe heat waves brought on by the climate crisis, Governor Gavin Newsom launched "Heat Ready CA" Tuesday, a statewide, multi-ethnic awareness and education campaign designed to keep Californians safe. during extreme heat.
The two-year, $20 million campaign targets heat-sensitive groups most at risk, including those 65 and older, workers and people with chronic illnesses, disabilities or who are pregnant.
"The impacts of climate change have never been clearer: Heat continues to rise in our state and across the West, putting millions of Californians at risk," Newsom noted.
“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 climate changes and take the necessary steps to keep themselves and their families safe from deadly heat waves," he added.
This release comes amid extreme heat forecasts for much of California and the US Southwest that, according to the National Weather Service, "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 for the southern half of the state, with additional watches, warnings, and advisories possible farther north, including the San Joaquin Valley. The highest temperatures are currently forecast for 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 Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly. Of California. "But just like with earthquakes, floods or other natural weather events, Californians can best protect themselves and others with a few simple tips."
In that sense, Californians were encouraged to close blinds, windows and curtains, during extreme heat, in addition to setting 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.
In the same way, they call to try to stay inside and wear loose, light-colored and light clothing. Although spending time in the water is refreshing on hot summer days, many California rivers are running faster while the lakes are deeper and colder than in recent years, making them more dangerous than normal, even for the 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. They finally call to take care of themselves and each other. Monitor your friends and family, especially older relatives or neighbors. Call 911 if there are signs of a high fever ?103°F or higher? or in case of other emergencies.
Scientists project that all of California will be affected in the coming years and decades by higher average temperatures and more frequent and life-threatening heat waves, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable communities.
Heat Ready CA is a public awareness and outreach 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 brings people together 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, conducting outreach in every California county 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 issues, such as older adults, people with disabilities and chronic illnesses, pregnant people, young children, urban residents and those who do not have easy access to air conditioning or natural tone, among others.?
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