09/08/2026
Message from CA Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division
The National Weather Service has issued Heat Advisories, Excessive Heat Watches, or Excessive Heat Warnings for portions of: Imperial County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County. Impacts may be seen beginning 09-08-2026 through 09-09-2026.
IMPORTANT:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) offer the following tips to stay safe during periods of excessive heat:
Never leave infants, children, dependent adults, the elderly, or pets in a parked car. It can take as little as 10 minutes for the temperature inside a car to rise to levels that can kill, even if windows are cracked open.
Drink plenty of water, even if not thirsty. Avoid really cold drinks or drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or high sugar content.
Avoid hot food and heavy meals. Encourage frozen treats such as popsicles between meals.
Stay in an air-conditioned area as much as possible. Electric fans may provide comfort but will not prevent heat-related illness. Contact your local county or city to learn more about cooling centers and additional resources.
Limit outdoor activity to when it is coolest, for example during morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover the face and neck, wear light weight and loose-fitting clothing to keep cool, and apply sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out to protect skin from the sun.
Monitor those on medications. Many medications increase the likelihood of dehydration.
To prevent overheating, use cool compresses, misting, showers, and baths. Seek medical attention if the following symptoms are observed: throbbing headache, unconsciousness, red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating), rapid, strong pulse, feeling delirious, or a body temperature above 103 degrees.
Check the local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips.
In addition, if the demand for electricity exceeds the state’s supply, the state’s grid operator (California Independent System Operator (CAISO) may require power to be turned off in portions of the state.
If there are conditions that negatively impact the health and safety of your residents/clients, please contact your Regional Office.
Contact information for Regional Offices can be found using the links below:
Adult & Senior Care Regional Offices
Child Care Regional Offices
Children's Residential Regional Offices
Continuing Care Contracts Bureau
Home Care Services Branch
Please refer to the Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) Heat Prevention Site for additional information and resources.
For current weather alerts, please refer to the National Weather Service Radar page, and for more information on extreme heat weather, visit the California Department of Public Health Emergency Preparedness
