Extreme Heat Update!
Stay Safe in Southern California.
We were welcomed to join the Extreme Heat Update with host Sandy Close. Worldwide, July was the hottest month on record.
This is a top priority news because our indigenous communities are at risk due to lack of cooling resources. It is important to reach out to those you know who would find this information helpful so we can prepare to keep our communities safe from extreme heat.
Our first guest speaker was Braden Kay.
He has a grant program for cooling roofs & cooler pavement, because it doesn't get under 90 degrees overnight. If you need AC, there are grants available that open in February, website: heatreadyca.com. Make sure to apply then to be heat ready by next summer.
Esther Bejerano reports that the hottest county, Imperial County in CA, received a grant from OCPS to help with schools, educating schools regarding heat issues, and how to stay safe. Her main instructions are to stay indoors to exercise, drink more water, and have access to shade while outside. She has a grant to help plant trees and educate schools.
Dr. Sharon Okonokwo-Holmes from Kaiser hospital in Pasadena speaks about the biological impact of extreme heat. Heat causes sweat to cool the body - but when humid, the atmosphere has too much water and sweat beads cant form as easily.
Prepare yourself and loved ones. Don’t take diuretics, watch for swelling, headaches, dizziness, take cool showers, and always be sure to drink two litres of water daily.
Guest speaker Jonathan Pilch is a community health and environment advocate. He is the executive director at Watsonville Wetlands Watch.
He lives in Watsonville, which is only 9% tree canopy, while it should be 30% tree canopy. Today local schools have only have 5% tree canopy and high school only 1.6%.
He received a grant plant trees and add greenery for schools.
High schoolers are invited to apply for his paid internship to learn about eco greenery maintenance.
We welcome any questions or concerns from the community in how we can help address these issues internally.
Comments and questions welcome, and don’t forget to share this article with those you know who are experiencing extreme heat!
