During the Excessive Heat Warning advisory, much of Northern California will experience continuous triple-digit temperatures. The Excessive Heat Warning advisory remains in effect until 8:00 pm on Thursday, August 3, 2017.

Long-term healthcare facilities are reminded that the elderly and other health-compromised individuals are more susceptible to extreme temperatures and dehydration. It is important that facility administrators monitor weather predictions for fluctuations in extreme temperatures and take extra precautions to be sure appropriate air conditioning equipment is well maintained and operating effectively.

Facilities must have contingency plans in place to deal with either the loss of air conditioning or, in the case when no air conditioning is available, to take measures to ensure patients and residents are free of adverse conditions that may cause heat-related health complications. Portable fans and other temporary cooling devices should be used when indicated.

CDPH recommends implementing the following measures to keep residents and patients comfortable during extreme hot weather:

• Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
• Keep well hydrated with particular attention to dependent residents.
• Minimize physical activities during the hottest parts of the day.
• Stay indoors and out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day.
• Use fans as indicated in the attached "Fast Facts" sheet on preventing summer heat injuries.
• Open windows where feasible if screens are intact, to allow fresh air to circulate.
• Use cool compresses, misting, showers, and baths to promote cooling.
• Avoid hot foods and heavy meals.
• Encourage frozen treats such as "popsicles" between meals.
• Keep a hydration station readily available to residents, family, and staff.
• Be alert to adverse changes in patient and resident conditions that may be heat related. Develop and implement a system to monitor hydration status and be prepared to take appropriate interventions.
• Pay special attention to patients and residents with medications that make the patient susceptible to high temperatures, e.g., psychotropic medications.

Licensing regulations require all emergency/disaster-related occurrences that threaten the welfare, safety, or health of patients, be reported to the Department of Public Health (CDPH), Licensing and Certification (L&C) Program. If your facility is impacted by extreme heat conditions that compromise patient health and safety, and/or require an evacuation, transfer, or discharge of patients, you must contact your CDPH L&C District Office (DO).

Please follow these guidelines for a reporting process:

Links to the excessive heat warnings and advisories are available at:

• National Weather Service - Non-precipitation Warnings, Watches, Advisories: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/total_forecast/getprod.php?print=yes&wfo=sto&pil=NPW&sid=STO&parse=CAZ016,CAZ066
• National Weather Service - California County Zones: https://alerts-v2.weather.gov/counties/CA
• National Weather Service: www.weather.gov

Sincerely,

Original signed by Jean Iacino

Jean Iacino
Deputy Director

Attachment: Fast Facts