Golden State Today

Much of California remains under excessive heat warnings and watches, with several more days of extreme heat expected. Governor Gavin Newsom continues to urge Californians to take precautions now to stay safe from the heat.

SACRAMENTO – Much of interior California is entering its fourth day of temperatures reaching 110 degrees or higher, and most areas likely won’t see relief until early next week. Governor Gavin Newsom continues to urge Californians to take precautions and has directed an all-hands response to the heatwave by state government.

Earlier this week, the Governor directed the Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to activate its State Operations Center and move into Phase II of its Extreme Temperature Response Plan. This action ensures a 24/7, coordinated, whole-of-government response to the heatwave.

Excessive heat warnings and watches are in effect for much of California through the weekend and into next week. The National Weather Service is forecasting Extreme Heat Risk for many parts of the state, with hot conditions between 105 and 118 degrees, and little overnight relief.

"Extreme heat kills more Americans every year than all other extreme weather, including wildfires and flooding," said Governor Gavin Newsom. "California is in the middle of a record heatwave – and now is not the time to let our guard down. We must remain vigilant – stay cool, stay hydrated and check in on loved ones and neighbors."

**What California is doing to protect communities**

Emergency coordination and response: Cal OES is coordinating with local governments and emergency managers on any regional needs. A current list of local cooling centers open by county can be found here.

Through Listos California, Cal OES is deploying in-language preparedness messaging to California’s most impacted communities and those who may be most at risk during extreme temperatures, including those 65 years of age or older; individuals with chronic illness, disabilities or who are pregnant.

The Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC) is deploying in-language messaging to higher-risk communities through Heat Ready CA, which includes a network of community organizations and outreach to ethnic media.

Through the state’s Priority Populations Task Force, Cal OES convenes over 20 agencies to coordinate state and local resources and share information with the public, identify and address unmet needs, ensure comprehensive preparedness and response in support of Californians at greatest risk, and coordinate with local jurisdictions.

Protecting workers: The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is reminding employers to protect workers from heat illness during high temperatures by providing water, rest, shade, and training. Field inspectors are conducting targeted inspections at worksites where workers are most vulnerable to heat illness including in agriculture and construction. Details on heat illness prevention requirements and training materials are available online at 99calor.org. Cal/OSHA’s heat illness prevention standard applies to all outdoor worksites.

The Government Operations Agency has coordinated messaging to all state employees on increased temperature preparedness and worked with building managers to reiterate state efficiencies during warmer days.

Protecting public health and safety: The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has created a Heat & Summer Safety toolkit to provide resources that can be shared, including information on recognizing heat exhaustion versus heat stroke. CDPH also develops heat guidance for schools, local health jurisdictions, other community service providers aiming particularly at protecting children, students, older adults, the unhoused population as well as outdoor workers.

Increasing climate resiliency: The California Natural Resources Agency along with state climate partners addresses longer-term impacts through initiatives such as the Extreme Heat Action Plan aimed at building community resilience. Efforts include resources for vulnerable communities through investments in green schoolyards urban forestry initiatives among others aimed at cooling buildings infrastructure using nature-based solutions.

**How you can stay safer from extreme heat**

Go to ready.ca.gov for resources tips on staying safe from extreme heat other natural disasters.

Stay cool during hottest times:

- Those without air conditioning should consider going cooling center.

- Avoid physical exertion exercising outdoors.

- Wear lightweight light-colored loose clothing hats sunglasses sunscreen.

Stay hydrated:

- Drink plenty fluids especially water even when not thirsty; drink sports drinks moderation help replace electrolytes lost during exercise.

- Avoid sugary alcoholic very cold drinks.

- Eat plenty fruits vegetables.

Stay connected:

- Monitor those higher risk including infants young children people 65 years older individuals chronic illnesses disabilities pregnant women.

- Check on neighbors call visit offer pick up groceries medication necessities.

Stay informed:

- Check local news weather forecasts alerts cooling centers.

Stay safe outdoors:

Warm summer weather causing continued snow melt resulting colder faster water continues today remember always be safe around water:

- Ensure loved ones wear properly fitting U.S Coast Guard-approved life jackets

- Supervise children appoint designated “water watcher.”

- Know your limits swimming lake ocean river different pool

- If someone distress seek help lifeguard call 9-1-1 if unavailable