Protect Your Health During Extreme Heat
Posted on 09/02/2022

Protect Your Health During Extreme Heat

Published September 2, 2022


With extreme heat forecast in Piedmont and across the Bay Area through at least Friday, September 9, take steps to protect your health. Temperatures in Piedmont are expected to reach into the high 80s, creating increased risk for heat-related illness.

During the heat wave:

  • Drink lots of water - even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
  • Limit physical activity overall and avoid physical activity during the hottest time of the day (10am-3pm).
  • Never leave people or pets in a closed, parked car.
  • Cool off by taking a bath or shower.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose fitting clothing to help stay cool. Stick to breathable fabrics like cotton.

Older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions are at greater risk during hot weather. Call and check in on friends, family, and neighbors to make sure they’re okay.

Alameda County maintains a list of local cooling centers for those who need somewhere to go to escape the heat.

Prepare for possible rotating power outages

The California Independent System Operator (CAISO), the organization that manages the state’s electric grid, may call for rotating power outages due to anticipated high demand placed on the grid during extreme heat. PG&E has indicated that if CAISO imposes outages, customers will not receive advance notice of the shutoff, and outages would last about two hours. A list of active rotating outages is available at pge.com/rotatingoutages.

Prepare your household for potential outages by fully charging your essential devices and backup power sources, checking flashlight and battery supplies, and making a paper list of emergency contacts. Help prevent rotating outages by conserving energy between 4pm and 9pm each day.