NEWS RELEASE
BOULDER COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
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With high temperatures predicted, Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) recommends that residents plan for periods of extreme heat.
Temperatures of 105 degrees or above put everyone at risk of heat-related illness and heatstroke, which can be fatal if not treated appropriately. Everyone should watch for signs and symptoms of these illnesses when the temperature is high.
Air conditioning is the most effective way to stay cool in your home during heat emergencies. Evaporative coolers are also effective. Fans are not as effective at lowering body temperatures.
Athletes, people 65 and over, infants, children, people and pets who live in manufactured housing, individuals with chronic conditions, low-income households, outdoor workers and those who spend significant time outdoors are especially at risk of heat-related illness.
BCPH provides advice and simple steps for keeping yourself, friends, family and pets healthy when temperatures rise to dangerous levels at boco.org/ExtremeHeat.
“Extreme heat events occur when the daytime temperature reaches 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for at least two days. Extended periods of heat are dangerous for many residents, especially those most vulnerable,” said Chris Campbell, BCPH emergency management coordinator. “Temperatures will rise over the summer months and residents should develop a plan for staying cool. Libraries throughout the county offer air conditioning during their regular open hours and are an excellent place to cool down.”
Tips for staying safe in extreme heat
If you are indoors:
- Close blinds or block sunny windows
- Avoid using an oven during the day — it makes your home hotter
- Dress in lightweight clothing
- Take a cool shower or a bath
- Movies, malls, libraries and museums are good places to cool down
- Drink liquids
- Have water on hand at all times.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugar — they can be dehydrating
- Drink water before you get thirsty
- Avoid hot beverages
If you are outdoors:
- Take water with you and hydrate regularly
- Limit time in the sun
- Even with windows rolled down in a parked car, leaving children, pets, or people with mobility issues in a vehicle for even a short time during extreme heat is unsafe
- Rest often and pace yourself
- Avoid activities that require a lot of effort and energy or carry a higher risk of injury
- Injuries can happen more often during heat emergencies when it may be harder to think clearly
- Shift outdoor activities and exercise to cooler times in the morning or evening
- Wear sunscreen with 30 SPF or above to avoid sunburns
- Pavement and metal surfaces can cause severe burns
- Wear shoes and avoid touching metal surfaces outdoors
- Avoid older playground equipment
- Walk animals on surfaces that are lighter colors, such as dirt and grass, and avoid blacktops
- Bring water for your pet, even for short trips outside
For more information, click here.
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