Temperatures return to triple digits; tips for staying safe in the heat

With temperatures forecast 10 to 15 degrees above average this weekend, it’s important to remember to stay safe, especially when spending time outdoors.

The unseasonable heat can catch people, particularly visitors, off guard.

“Some people really misjudge this heat out here,” said Tammy Martin, executive director for Friends of the Desert Mountains

The Coachella Valley’s local hiking trails are a huge draw for visitors. But Martin says many are not prepared to deal with the heat.

“Make sure you have plenty of water, make sure you have your proper gear to go out, make sure that you have a cell phone that’s totally charged and make sure you have someone that knows where you’re at and what time you’re expected back,” she said.

Friends of the Desert Mountains has a list of 10 Essentials for Desert Hiking, which Martin encourages all hikers to review before hitting the trails.

Cathedral City Fire Department Battalion Chief Eric Hauser says there is always an increase of heat-related calls from May through September.

“Many rescues take place in the summer months out here and some of them end tragically,” he said.

Hauser says it’s important to know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 

“Heat exhaustion is, you’re still sweating, you’ll probably present with a headache, you’ll be fatigued, you could be dizzy, that’s when you need to recognize those symptoms and take action and get to a cooler area. And if it transitions to heat stroke, that becomes more problematic and that’s when you stop sweating, you’ve got cherry red skin, a temperature greater than 103 degrees, nausea, vomiting and potential loss of consciousness,” he said.

Children and elderly have a more difficult time dealing with the heat, so it is especially important for those people to be aware of the signs.

Hauser says to try to limit time outdoors, especially in the afternoon, which is the hottest part of the day. 

“Be safe, we don’t like seeing the rescue crews going out there for people, so be safe,” Martin said.

County-run cooling centers are an option in the summer, but they don’t open until June. Though Hauser suggested trying the mall or your local library if you need to escape the heat.

Some other tips for dealing with the heat include limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption and staying in the air conditioning or the shade, wearing light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.