Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD)
Heat Prevention
Purpose
Promote and provide outreach to community care licensees and providers to prepare
and prevent heat related illnesses.
Heat Preparedness
A heat wave is a period of abnormally
hot weather generally lasting three or more days.
Exposure
to very high temperatures may lead to dangerous or even
life-threatening
risks during extreme hot temperature events. It is vital to
stay safe from heat related illnesses and to keep aware of rising temperatures.
A heat wave would expose over two-thirds of residents to dangerous heat
stresses.
Future forecast shows
California heat temperature will continue to rise as shown below.
Source:Extreme Heat Edition Healthy Places Index (healthyplacesindex.org)
California heat can pose substantial risk to vulnerable populations that include children, the elderly, and those with disabilities or chronic diseases.
Community care licensees and providers should monitor heat risk forecasts during the summer and take extra precautions to protect persons in care from adverse conditions that may cause heat-related illness. Some warning signs and symptoms of heat-related illness include, but are not limited to:
[table]
What to do
During warm weather, Facility administrators should monitor persons in care daily for symptoms of heat-related illness, such as heavy sweating, dizziness, headaches, nausea, or confusion. Immediate action is crucial when these symptoms are observed. Ensure that individuals stay hydrated with cool fluids and are kept in a shaded or air-conditioned environment.
Persons exhibiting symptoms should receive appropriate care right away, which may include moving them to a cooler area, applying cool, damp cloths to their skin, and offering fluids if they are able to drink. It’s important to recognize that the effects of heat-related illness can persist for up to seven days, potentially affecting an individual’s health and recovery.
For comprehensive guidance, refer to the Center for Disease Control's (CDC) recommendations on Extreme Heat. This resource provides detailed information on preventing and managing heat-related illnesses, including practical steps for emergency care and long-term recovery strategies.
Community care licensees and providers should monitor weather predictions in extreme temperatures and prepare for weekly precautions.
Source: NWS Heat Risk
[table]
Stay Safe During Excessive Heat
- Drinking plenty of fluids, regardless of activity level, even if not thirsty. Avoid very cold drinks, which can cause stomach cramps or drinks with caffeine, or high sugar content, which can cause loss of body fluid.
- Avoid hot food and heavy meals. Encourage frozen treats such as popsicles between meals.
- Stay in an air-conditioned area as much as possible. Electric fans may provide comfort but will not prevent heat-related illness.
- Limit outdoor activity to when it is coolest, for example during morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover the face and neck, wear light weight and loose-fitting clothing to keep cool.
- Use cool compresses and misting.
- Monitor those on medications. Many medications increase the likelihood of dehydration.
Heat Prevention Resources
Heat Prevention Flyer ASCP
Heat Prevention Flyer CCP
Heat Prevention Flyer CRP
Heat Prevention for the Human Body.pptx
Heat Prevention for the Facility.pptx
More Helpful Tips!
Additional Preparations
Wildfire Emergencies
The fire season in California starts earlier and ends later each year. California may no longer have a wildfire “season” but rather a year-round risk of wildfires. To prepare for wildfire emergencies, Providers are encouraged to:
- Create a Wildfire Action Plan, including identifying several alternative escape routes from the facility/home and community.
- Make sure that smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are always in place and working.
- Have a portable radio or scanner to stay updated on the fire, as cell phone service may not be available.
- Create a defensible space around the facility/home by trimming trees and other vegetation, clearing away dead branches, wood piles, and vegetation from the roof, patio furniture, and play equipment, and keep rain gutters free of debris.
Emergency Plan Updates
CCLD reminds Facility administrators to review their emergency/disaster plan to ensure compliance with applicable statutes and regulations. CCLD also reminds Facility Administrators to update the CDSS with any changes to their contact information including telephone number or email address.
Everbridge Emergency Notification System
CCLD will continue to use the Everbridge Emergency Notification System to notify Licensees, to the best of its ability, in advance of, or during, disaster events (including fires and PSPS), in order for Facility administrators to ensure the health and safety of persons in care. Please reference PIN 24-06-CCLD for additional details on the Everbridge Emergency Notification System and how to communicate during emergencies.
Funding Resources
Weatherization Programs
State Grant Programs
PSPS Resources
FICS Contact Information:
Email: CCLDDASBFICS@dss.ca.gov
Phone Number: (916) 809-7712
Address: 744 P Street, M.S. 9-15-813
Sacramento, CA 95814
External Sites:
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Tips for Treating Heat-Related Illness
Center for Disease Control—Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness
Extreme Heat | Natural Disasters and Severe Weather | Center for Disease Control