Red Cross heat tips

Special for The Willits News

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for inland Mendocino County through July 4. If someone doesn't have air conditioning, the city of Willits has opened City Hall as a cooling center from 1 to 5 p.m. daily while this heat emergency lasts.

The American Red Cross offers advice people can follow to stay safe as the temperatures soar.

"Excessive heat can be deadly; it has caused more deaths in recent years than all other weather events," said Tim Miller, Regional Executive Officer of the Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties Red Cross. "We want everyone to stay safe during the hot weather and have some reminders for them to follow when the weather is hot and humid."

Never leave children, pets in the car, the inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees.

Other heat safety steps include: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Avoid extreme temperature changes. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun's rays.


Postpone outdoor games and activities.




The Red Cross urges people to be alert to the signs of heat related illnesses and the actions needed to potentially save a life. Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.


