Projections of the City of Chico's climate impacts have been found using the state's Caladapt tool. This information has been turned into three infographics to be seen visually.
Extreme Heat
Every summer, the Chico area experiences hot days, with heat waves intermittently. As a result of climate change, Chico will experience increased frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme heat days and heat waves. With summer temperatures on the rise, staying safe in the heat is critical. More Americans die from heat waves than all other natural disasters combined. The City of Chico is urging residents to take precautions to ensure that you, your friends and family, neighbors, and pets don’t suffer the effects of extreme heat. Make sure that you stay hydrated and during extreme heat events, try to limit your activities to indoor areas that are air conditioned to avoid possible heat–related illnesses.
Symptoms of Heat-Related Illnesses
People Likely to Experience Heat-Related Illnesses
Tips to Beat the Heat Stay Cool
- Find a cool shelter, or cool location inside
- If outside, seek shade by the creek or under a tree
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
- Take cool showers or get wet if possible to lower your body temperature
- Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun's peak hours – 11 AM to 4 PM. If you must engage in strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, usually in the morning between 4 AM and 7 AM.
- Wear sunscreen
- Never leave children, pets, or those who require special care in a parked car during periods of intense summer heat.
Stay Hydrated
- Drink more water than usual
- Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink more fluids
- Plan ahead- bring a water bottle with you
- Avoid alcohol or sugary drinks Stay Informed
- Learn the symptoms of heat illness
- Know who is most at risk for heat illness
- Learn how to stay safe in the heat
- Check local news, the National Weather Service, and the City of Chico for extreme heat alerts and safety tips Stay
Connected
- Check on neighbors to see how they are weathering the heat
- Connect others to resources they may need
- When working in the heat, monitor the condition of coworkers and have them do the same for you
Don’t Forget About Pets!
- Even with the windows rolled down, only a few minutes in a hot car can be deadly for your pet
- Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so be sure to give them access to plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors
- Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.
- Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse.
- When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close to the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.
- Don't rely on a fan. Pets respond differently to heat than humans do. (Dogs, for instance, sweat primarily through their feet.) And fans don't cool off pets as effectively as they do people. Adding ice cubes to the water dish, offering an ice pack or a wet towel to lay down on, providing shade, or offering a shallow pool can cool your pup down.
