We hear “July fry” as we enter the summer months in San Diego County, but we must remember that in our micro-climated areas, August and September are normally the hottest months of the year. Here in East County, which can range 20 degrees higher than the oceanfront, we need to be extremely cautious when dealing with these high temperatures.
We hear “July fry” as we enter the summer months in San Diego County, but we must remember that in our micro-climated areas, August and September are normally the hottest months of the year. Here in East County, which can range 20 degrees higher than the oceanfront, we need to be extremely cautious when dealing with these high temperatures. And this week we are heading into another three-digit weathercast, along with some high humidity that many in our region are not used too and brings the heat up – just like chill factors in other parts of the country.
It is time to think about a few things, and most important is knowing where your Cool Zones are. The elderly, children, pets and those with compromised health conditions are highest at risk, so be sure to check in with your neighbor, friend or family member as this heat wave continues. And this will not be the only one, there are sure many more hot days to come.
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has a page dedicated to Cool Zones and tips on how to beat the heat. Many of the tips are common sense, but worth the effort in reminding people what to do, and not to do when extreme heat hits us hard.
Water. It is the greatest way to beat the heat by keeping your body well hydrated, yet it is the one thing that many people just do not drink enough of. Because it is not loaded with sugar, flavors and bubbles, many people take a pass on drinking the amount of water needed everyday and even more so when their bodies need it the most. You do not have to be thirsty, but you do need to take in large amounts of water and avoid (as much as you can) caffeinated drinks and alcohol.
Cook outdoors, or use your oven when it has cooled down. There are many foods that we eat everyday that can be prepared on an outside grill just as well as in the house. This keeps the temperature down in the home and this is a big thing for those that do not have or cannot afford to run an air conditioner.
Before getting into your car, let it air out. Sitting in the heat during the day, your car can be 30 degrees or higher than the outside temperature. This is a deadly combination and please, under no circumstances, leave your children or pets in the car. Not even for a quick run into a convenient store. We hear stories constantly on the news on people who still seem to think that this behavior is acceptable, and a passerby who notices a child or pet in a car unattended saves many. These are good Samaritans’.
Wear cooler clothing, and if you are active, choose the early part of the day or twilight hours to engage in rigorous activity.
But know where your Cool Zones are.
All San Diego County Public Libraries are designated zones, and there is a large list of Cool Zones in your area listed at the county’s website. Visit www.sandiegocounty.gov for a complete list of Cool Zones and more tips on how to beat the heat, because we are only going to see temperatures rising for a while longer.
And then there are the Santa Ana’s following closely behind.
