Heat and Health

Heat and Health

Cooling Centers

When the weather gets extremely hot, “Cooling Centers” may be opened in Alameda County. Cities may identify facilities such as a senior centers, community centers or libraries that have air conditioning, where the public may go to cool down during a heat wave. Some may also provide other resources for people who are experiencing homelessness or are unsheltered.

The Alameda County Office of Emergency Services (OES) works with Cities to compile a list of facilities and their operational hours during times of extreme heat. When there is a need for Cooling Centers to open and facilities have been identified that can provide this service, Alameda County OES will post a list of cooling centers and facilities and their operational hours.

The changing climate means Alameda County residents can expect more extreme heat waves. Extreme heat puts a toll on health. Extreme heat waves can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, exhaustion, and dehydration. Warmer temperatures create more pollen in the air, stronger airborne allergens, and more allergy symptoms. Certain populations such as the elderly, children, people with disabilities and those living alone are at a higher risk during heat events.

Learn more about Heat and Health and what the Alameda County Public Health Department is doing in Ashland and Cherryland at https://www.coolingourcommunities.com/heat

Stay hydrated and stay indoors in a cooler environment, if you can! The Heat and Health flyer below has symptoms of heat illness to look out for and tips for staying cool and reducing the impacts of hot weather. It also has more detailed information about the urban conditions that can exacerbate heat events, the effects of extreme heat days.

Heat and Health Preparedness Pocket Guide

Download the Heat and Health Preparedness Pocket Guide for guidance and resources and to create a Family Emergency Plan. Click below for printable PDFs in 6 different languages. Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic, and Farsi

Heat and Health flyer:  English | Spanish

Heat Alerts

Heat Alerts are issued by the Alameda County Office of Emergency Services during extreme heat events and emergencies and sent through AC Alert, Alameda County’s emergency alerts system. The public can sign up to receive these alerts via email. Cities may also issue their own alerts. These alerts are different from Health Alerts, Advisories and Updates issued by the Public Health Department at the direction of the Alameda County Health Officer. The public can follow Alameda County Health Care Services Agency on social media at Dare2BWell for health-related information.

Additional Resources:

Visit 211alamedacounty.org to use their resource finder for more information about health and human service providers in Alameda County.

  • AC Alert is the primary way to receive up-to-date notifications about events and emergencies that may affect your home, workplace, and other places within Alameda County. Many cities use AC Alert to emergency information and alerts - such as evacuation and disaster instructions - by voice, text and email, as well as well as sending TTY/TDD messages, messaging Nixle subscribers, posting to social media pages, and sending FEMA Wireless Alerts (WEA).

Go to the AC Alert signup page to sign up or edit your account information, for emergency notifications today!

  • Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events are precautionary measures conducted by PG&E during extreme fire danger conditions to help reduce the risk of wildfire.  PG&E expects to be able to restore power within 24 to 48 hours after extreme weather has passed, however, outages could last longer depending on weather conditions or if repairs are needed. Their goal, dependent on forecasted weather and other factors, is to send customer alerts at 48 hours, again at 24 hours and again just prior to shutting off power, when possible.

Update your contact information for advanced notification of a Public Safety Power Shutoff event.

Public Safety Power Shutoff Resources

Wildfire Safety Resources

Additional Preparedness Resources

  • ready.gov - Disaster preparedness information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • caloes.ca.gov – California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services website
  • firesafecouncil.org – California Fire Safe Council website
  • noaa.gov – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website

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