By Karen Bennett, IHSS provider, Madera County

California sure is beautiful, but in the hot summers it can also be dangerous for seniors and people with disabilities. That’s why keeping our clients cool can be vital to their health and safety.

Here are a few tips to keep you and your loved ones safe during a heat wave:

1. Keep windows covered during the day to avoid direct sunlight.
2. Stay alert and monitor your clients’ temperature often.
3. When possible, stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day – 11am to 4pm.
4. When outside, use hats and umbrellas to block direct sun exposure.
5. Use a cool, moistened towel on your client’s forehead and neck to cool them off.
6. Dress yourself and your clients in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
7. Make sure your client drinks plenty of water throughout the day, even more than usual.
8. In a true heat wave, don’t rely on fans to keep cool – go somewhere where there is air conditioning!
9. Visit www.cdc.gov/extremeheat to learn the signs of heat-related illness.
10. And use your local UDW office as a resource. Many serve as cooling centers on particularly hot days