Heat and Health

The changing climate means Alameda County residents can expect more extreme heat waves. Extreme heat puts a toll on health. Extreme heat waves can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, exhaustion, and dehydration. Warmer temperatures create more pollen in the air, stronger airborne allergens, and more allergy symptoms. Certain populations such as the elderly, children, people with disabilities and those living alone are at a higher risk during heat events.

Stay hydrated and stay indoors in a cooler environment, if you can!

The Heat and Health flyers (available in English*, Cambodian*, Chinese (Simplified)*, Chinese (Traditional)*, Farsi*, Spanish*, Tagalog*, and Vietnamese*) have symptoms of heat illness to look out for and tips for staying cool and reducing the impacts of hot weather. It also has more detailed information about the urban conditions that can exacerbate heat events, the effects of extreme heat days.

For additional heat and health resources in multiple languages, visit Extreme Heat | Ready.gov

Access a Cooling Center Near You

When the weather gets hot, "cooling centers" may be opened by cities in Alameda County. These are facilities such as senior centers, community centers or libraries that have air conditioning, where the public may go to cool down during a heat wave. Some may also provide other resources for people who are experiencing homelessness or are unsheltered. When there is a need for cooling centers to open and facilities have been identified by cities that can provide this service, a list will be posted here.

Resources for residents who are experiencing homelessness

Extremely hot weather can be very harmful to people experiencing homelessness - it can be just as bad or worse than the cold.

Please visit Alameda County Health's Health Care for the Homeless (ACHCH) website for additional heat and health information for those experiencing homelessness.