Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD)
Heat Prevention
Purpose
Promote and provide outreach to licensed facilities/Home Care Organizations (HCOs) and Registered Home Care Aides
(Registered HCAs) 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 heat events. It is vital to stay safe from heat-related illnesses and keep aware of rising temperatures. A heat wave could expose over two-thirds of residents to dangerous heat stresses. Future forecasts indicate
California’s temperatures will continue to rise, as shown below.
Source: Extreme Heat Edition Healthy
Places Index (healthyplacesindex.org)
Heat can pose a substantial risk to vulnerable populations that include children, the elderly, and those with
disabilities or chronic diseases.
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:
Key: X = Yes
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Symptoms
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Heat stroke
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Heat exhaustion
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Heat cramps
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Sunburn
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Heat rash
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Headache
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X
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X
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Dizziness
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X
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X
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Weakness
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X
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Tiredness
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X
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Heavy sweating
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X
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X
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Muscle cramps
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X
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X
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Nausea and/or vomiting
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X
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X
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Small itchy Bumps
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X
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X
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Blistered Skin
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X
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X
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What to do
During warm weather, 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 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 can drink. 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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention'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.
Monitor weather predictions in extreme temperatures and prepare for weekly
precautions.
Source: NWS Heat Risk
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Value
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What does this mean?
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Who/What is at Risk?
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How Common is this Heat?
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What actions can be taken?
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0
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- This level of heat poses little to no risk from expected heat
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- No preventative actions necessary
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1
(Yellow)
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- Heat of this type is tolerated by most; however, there is a minor
risk for extremely heat-sensitive groups
to experience negative heat-related
health effects
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- Primarily those who are extremely sensitive to heat, especially when outdoors without
effective cooling and/or adequate hydration
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- Increase hydration
- Reduce time spent outdoors or stay in the shade when the sun is strongest
- Open windows at night and use fans to bring cooler air inside buildings
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2
(Orange)
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- Heat of this type is tolerated by many; however, there is a moderate risk for
members of heat-sensitive groups
to experience negative heat-related health
effects, including heat illness
- Some risk for the general population who are exposed to the sun for longer periods
of time
- For those without air conditioning, living spaces can become uncomfortable during
the afternoon and evening,
but fans and leaving windows open at night will
help
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- Primarily heat-sensitive or vulnerable groups, especially those without
effective cooling or hydration
- Those not acclimated to this level of heat (i.e. visitors)
- Otherwise, healthy individuals exposed to longer duration heat, without effective cooling or
hydration, such as in the sun at an outdoor venue
- Some transportation and utilities sectors
- Some health systems will see increased demand, with increases in ER visits
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- Fairly common in most locations
- Very common in southern regions of the country
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- Reduce time in the sun during the warmest part of the day
- Stay hydrated
- Stay in a cool place during the heat of the day
- Move outdoor activities to cooler times of the day
- For those without A/C, use fans to keep air moving and open windows at night
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3
(Red)
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- Heat of this type represents a major risk to all
individuals who are 1) exposed to the sun and active or 2) are in a heat-sensitive
group
- Dangerous to anyone without proper hydration or
adequate cooling
- For those without air conditioning, living spaces can
become deadly during the afternoon and evening. Fans and open windows will not be as
effective.
- Poor air quality is possible
- Power interruptions may occur as electrical
demands increase
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- Much of the population, especially anyone without
effective cooling or hydration
- Those exposed to the heat/sun at outdoor venues
- Health systems likely to see increased demand with significant
increases in ER visits
- Most transportation and utilities sectors
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- Uncommon in most locations
- Fairly common in southern regions of the country
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- Consider canceling outdoor activities during the heat of the
day, otherwise move activities to the coolest parts of the day
- Stay hydrated
- Stay in a cool place especially during the heat of the day and
evening
- If you have access to air conditioning, use it, or find a
location that does. Even a few hours in a cool location can lower risk. Fans may not be
adequate
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4
(Magenta)
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- This is a rare level of heat leading to an extreme risk
for the entire population
- Very dangerous to anyone without proper hydration or
adequate cooling.
- This is a multi-day excessive heat event. A
prolonged period of heat is dangerous for everyone not prepared.
- Poor air quality is likely.
- Power outages are increasingly likely as
electrical demands may reach critical levels.
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- Entire population exposed to the heat is at risk.
- For people without effective cooling, especially heat-sensitive
groups,
this level of heat can be deadly.
- Health systems highly likely to see increased demand with
significant increases in ER visits
- Most transportation and utilities sectors
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- Rare in most locations
- Occurs up to a few times a year in southern regions of the
country, especially the Desert Southwest
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- Strongly consider canceling outdoor activities
- Stay hydrated
- Stay in a cool place, including overnight
- If you have access to air conditioning, use it, or find a
location that does. Even a few hours in a cool location can lower risk. Fans will not be
adequate
- Check on your neighbors
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Stay Safe During Excessive Heat
- Drink 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
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:
- Create a Wildfire Action Plan, including identifying alternative escape routes from the facility/home and community.
- Ensure 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, vegetation from the roof, patio furniture, play equipment, and keeping rain gutters free of debris.
Emergency Plan Updates
CCLD reminder to licensed care facilities: review Emergency/Disaster Plans to ensure compliance with
applicable statutes and regulations. Update CDSS with any changes to 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, HCOs and HCAs, to the best of its ability,
in advance of, or during, disaster events (including fires and Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)), 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
CCLD Provider Information Notice
External Sites: