Excessive Temperatures

Prolonged exposure to excessive temperatures may cause serious conditions like heat exhaustion or heat stroke and can even be fatal. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and dizziness. Warning signs of heat stroke may include an extremely high body temperature, unconsciousness, confusion, hot and dry skin (no sweating), a rapid, strong pulse, and a throbbing headache. If symptoms of heat stroke occur, immediately call for medical assistance. Move the person to a shady area and begin cooling their body with water.

Tips to Stay Cool

Since excessive heat can cause health concerns for some individuals, the City of Yorba Linda encourages residents to take precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their pets. 

• Stay Cool Indoors. If your home is not air-conditioned, visit public facilities such as the Yorba Linda Community Center or the Yorba Linda Public Library. Other indoor facilities such as movie theaters, restaurants, shopping malls, and stores make great places to cool off. 
• Keep Your Home Cool. Use your home's air conditioner to cool your home; in temperatures over 90 degrees, electric fans should not be relied on to cool the home. Keeping blinds and curtains shut during the day will also help keep your home cool. If you feel overheated, a cool shower or bath is also an effective way to cool off.
• Drink Plenty of Fluids. In periods of excessive heat, drink more fluids than usual. To prevent dehydration, drink before you feel thirsty.
• Dress for the Heat. Stay out of the sun if possible, and when in the sun, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, and use sunscreen.
• Be Mindful of Strenuous Activities. Avoid strenuous activities if you are outside or in non-air-conditioned buildings. If you are working outdoors, take frequent rest and refreshment breaks in a shaded area.
• Visit a Cooling Center. The Yorba Linda Community Center serves as a cooling center during periods of excessive heat. For hours of operation, view our facility information page. For evening and weekend hours at the Community Center, call 714-961-7181. Other indoor facilities such as movie theaters, restaurants, and stores make great places to cool off.

Protect Those At Risk for Heat Illness

Certain individuals, including children, older adults, and those with medical conditions or disabilities are especially susceptible to heat-related illness.  Under no circumstances should a child or adult be left in a parked car for any length of time.  During periods of excessive heat, regularly check on friends and family members who are susceptible to heat-related illness and offer to take them to a cooler location.  

Don't Forget Your Pets

During periods of excessive heat, pets should be kept inside as much as possible. If a pet must be outside, ensure they have sufficient shade and access to fresh water. Exercise should be limited; if you do take your dog for a walk, be mindful of the sidewalk temperature, as it can burn a dog's sensitive paws. Never leave your pet in the car, even with the windows cracked.

Reduce Your Energy Use

All consumers are urged to reduce their energy use when there is a heatwave. A number of situations could cause the available power to be reduced, or demand could exceed capability, either of which could result in rolling outages. Take a few moments and identify your area, which is listed in the upper right-hand corner of your bill, so you will be able to identify if and when your home may be impacted. Also, be aware that you must also try to reduce water consumption during energy shortages. It takes a great deal of power to move water to end-users. Help reduce overall system demand by controlling water use. Below are some energy conservation tips from Southern California Edison.

Conservation Tips

• Turn off all unused appliances and equipment.
• Keep lights off in unused areas and shut off lights when leaving a room.
• Close drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight during hot periods.
• Avoid using evaporative coolers or humidifiers at the same time an air conditioner is running.
• Only operate swimming pool equipment and energy-intensive appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers, during early morning or evening hours.
• Limit the opening and reopening of refrigerators, which are major users of electricity in most homes.
• When possible, businesses should shift power-intensive work processes to morning or evening hours.

In Case of a Power Outage

• Use flashlights for lighting; do not use candles because they pose a significant fire hazard.
• During a power outage, turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment, including sensitive electronics.
• Open the refrigerator and freezer only when absolutely necessary.
• Never attempt to move or go near a downed power line. Call 911 to report the situation.
• Watch for traffic signals that may be out. Approach those intersections as four-way stops.
• If someone in your home is dependent on electric-powered, life-sustaining medical equipment, have an emergency plan that includes a backup power source or make arrangements to relocate.
• You can view current outages on Southern California Edison's website.