Excessive heat

Overview

Extremely hot weather can result in heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn, heat rash, and in some instances death. Please take safety measures to stay safe and lend a helping hand to family, friends and neighbors.

If you know of a vulnerable person without air conditioning, such as an elderly or infirm neighbor or someone with a drug or alcohol disorder or severe mental illness, please help them get to an air conditioned space between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

If you see someone on the street who may be having a life-threatening reaction to the heat, please call 911.

Thank you for doing your part to keep people safe during a heat crisis.

Hourly temperature forecast

Cooling centers

Menlo Park has air-conditioned facilities where you can escape the heat. This always includes both libraries and recreation center facilities during regular operating hours and during designated cooling center hours: 

Heat-related illness warning signs and symptoms

Heat stroke

Heat exhaustion

Heat cramps

Sunburn

Heat rash

Hot weather safety tips

• Drink plenty of water: Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty, and avoid alcohol, caffeine or lots of sugar because they will speed up fluid loss
• Limit physical activity: Avoid physical activity during the hottest time of the day, generally 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Never leave people or pets in a closed, parked car
• Stay in air-conditioned areas, whenever possible
• Cool off by taking a bath or shower: Cool, plain water baths or moist towels work best
• Wear cool clothing: Lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting cotton clothing can help you keep cool
• Do not bundle babies: Babies do not handle heat well because their sweat glands are not fully developed, so do not put them in blankets or heavy clothing
• Cover your head: Wear a wide-brimmed, vented hat or use an umbrella when outdoors because your head absorbs heat easily
• Wear sunglasses and sunscreen: Use sunscreen with higher SPF when outdoors
• Rest often in shady areas: Find shady places to cool down when outdoors
• Check on frail or elderly family, friends, or neighbors often
• Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911.

Infants and children

• It is illegal to leave an infant or child unattended in a vehicle (Cal. Vehicle Code §15620)
• Infants and young children can get dehydrated very quickly. Make sure they are given plenty of cool water to drink
• Keep children indoors or shaded as much as possible
• Dress children in loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing

Older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions

• During peak heat hours stay in an air-conditioned area, whenever possible
• Older adults and those on certain medications may not exhibit signs of dehydration until several hours after dehydration sets in. Stay hydrated by frequently drinking cool water. If you’re on a special diet that limits liquids, check with your doctor for information on the amount of water to consume.
• Stay out of the sun if you do not need to be in it. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, and loose-fitting, light-colored clothing with long sleeves and pants to protect against sun damage. And remember to use sun screen and to wear sunglasses.