High heat continues; take precautions to avoid heat illness

Published on September 07, 2022

Menlo Park, Calif. — A heat advisory remains in effect through 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 8. Take precautions now to avoid heat illness. Designated cooling centers are open daily.

Excessive heat generally results in the highest death rate among weather-related hazards. In most of the United States, excessive heat is defined as an extended period (2-3 days) of intense heat with temperatures above 90 degrees. In extremely hot conditions, evaporation slows down and the body has to work harder to maintain a normal temperature. This can lead to death for pushing the human body beyond its limits. Remember that:

• Extreme heat can strike quickly and without warning.
• Older adults, children and people who are sick or overweight are at greatest risk from extreme heat.

Take precautions to avoid heat illness

• Go to an air-conditioned room.
• Avoid strenuous activities.
• Be on the lookout for warning signs of heat illness.
• Wear light clothing.
• Check on relatives, neighbors and loved ones.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. 

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:

Energy conservation is critical to prevent rotating outages during a Flex Alert

The California Independent System Operator has issued another statewide Flex Alert, calling for voluntary electricity conservation for Wednesday, Sept. 7, from 4–9 p.m., due to increasing high heat, tightening energy supplies and potential strain on the grid.

Tuesday, Sept. 6, saw peak electricity demand greater than 52,000 megawatts, a new historic all-time high for the grid, as the state endured the hottest day in this prolonged, record-breaking heat wave.

When the grid is stressed, CAISO will issue a Flex Alert, and Californians are strongly urged to lower electricity use by setting thermostats to 78 or higher, health permitting, avoid using major appliances, and turning off all unnecessary lights. Energy conservation during Flex Alerts is key to protecting grid reliability and preventing rotating outages. Check out other ways to save energy. 

To minimize discomfort and help with grid stability, consumers are encouraged to pre-cool their homes and use major appliances before 4 p.m., when solar energy is typically abundant.

This Flex Alert is the latest consecutive call for conservation, as much of the state remains gripped in a dangerous heat wave. Sign up to receive Flex Alert notifications. 

If electricity demand outpaces capacity, CAISO may require rolling outages. All PG&E customers have an assigned outage block number, which is included on their monthly bill and can be found at pge.com/rotatingoutages. 

If the power goes out at your residence, you can expect it to be out for about two hours.

For tips of what to do before and during a power outage visit menlopark.org/poweroutage.

Get the latest information

Check out the National Weather Service’s San Francisco Bay Area / Monterey, CA local forecast office for the latest weather alerts.

Download the Simplicity app for local news and updates, and follow the City of Menlo Park on Facebook, Twitter and Nextdoor.

Contact: Public Engagement Manager Clay Curtin

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