Extreme Heat Safety for Sacramento Summers

Why heat is a serious regional hazard

Extreme heat is often underestimated compared to more visually dramatic hazards like fire or flood, but it affects the most people region-wide and disproportionately harms older adults, young children, people with chronic health conditions, outdoor workers, and people experiencing homelessness. Sacramento County and the City of Sacramento open official cooling centers during heat events, and checking on neighbors — especially those living alone — is one of the most effective things an individual can do.

Heat safety steps

• Know the signs of heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, weakness, nausea) versus heat stroke (confusion, hot/dry skin, loss of consciousness) — the second is a medical emergency requiring immediate 911 response.
• Check on neighbors, especially older adults living alone, during extended heat events.
• Know the location of the nearest official cooling center during a heat advisory; the City and County publish current locations during active heat events.
• Never leave children, pets, or anyone else in a parked vehicle, even briefly — vehicle interior temperatures rise far faster than outside air temperature.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon heat and stay hydrated throughout the day, not just when thirsty.

For property managers

Common areas like laundry rooms, mailrooms, or lobbies without air conditioning can become genuinely dangerous during a heat wave; checking on elderly or medically vulnerable residents and posting cooling-center information during a heat advisory is a low-cost, high-value practice for HOA boards and property managers.