East County CERT

It's going to get hot over the few days, very hot in some areas. Now is a good time to remember these tips for keeping cool.
• Stay in an AIR-CONDITIONED indoor location as much as possible.
• If you don’t have air-conditioning, spend time in PUBLIC FACILITIES that are air-conditioned.
• Check regularly on those WITHOUT air-conditioning.
• Drink plenty of FLUIDS even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• LIMIT or avoid outside activities, especially at midday when the sun is hottest.
• Wear loose, LIGHTWEIGHT, light-colored clothing and use sunscreen.
• If you are outside during the day, be sure to use SUNSCREEN.
• Take COOL showers or baths to cool down.
• If the ground is too HOT for your bare feet to walk on, it’s too hot for your pets.
• NEVER leave children or pets in cars. Look before you lock!
City of El CajonCity of La MesaCity Government of Lemon Grove

It's going to be hot over the next couple of weeks and it's important to remember that heat related illness can happen quickly. There are things you can do on your own to help fight off Heat Exhaustion. The more serious condition is Heat Stroke and it requires immediate medical attention.

Fireworks, picnics and other Fourth of July traditions can be great fun for people; but all of the festivities can be frightening and even dangerous for animals.
Whether or not you’re planning your own Independence Day celebration, it’s important to take precautions to keep your pets safe both during and after Fourth of July festivities.
• Make sure the environment is safe. Is your yard secure enough to keep your pet contained?
• Large and noisy events can be stressful. Do not take your pet to parties, firework displays, parades and other gatherings.
• Consider putting your pets in a safe, escape-proof room or crate during parties and fireworks.
• If you’re travelling out of town for the holiday, consider leaving your pets at home with a pet sitter or boarding them in a kennel.
• Make sure your pets – cats and dogs alike – have identification tags with up-to-date information.
• If your pets aren’t already microchipped, talk with your veterinarian about microchipping.
• If your pets are microchipped, make sure your contact information in the microchip registry is up-to-date.
• Take a current photo of all of your pets – just in case they become frightened and run away.
• If your pet has historically been anxious on this holiday, an anxiety vest may work in some cases—if you don’t have one, try a snugly fitting t-shirt

July 4th is just around the corner and often fireworks are used to celebrate the holiday. Fireworks cause thousands of injuries each year and are illegal in San Diego County. But this doesn’t mean there aren’t great ways to celebrate this national holiday.
Here are a few ideas to get into the patriotic spirit, without using fireworks:
• Attend a public firework show in your area. There are many of them across San Diego County.
• Use glow sticks, they glow in the dark and are a safe alternative to a sparkler. Fun for all ages.
• Loud and proud. Noise makers are sure to make a statement. They can be found at local party supply stores or make your own.
• Outdoor movie night. Set up a screen and projector. Don’t forget the bug spray!
• Red, white and blue silly string…fun for all ages.
• Make a patriotic craft with the family.
• Throw a birthday party for the USA, and don’t forget the cake.
However you choose to celebrate, have a great 4th of July!

Heat related illness can happen quickly. There are things you can do on your own to help fight off Heat Exhaustion. The more serious condition is Heat Stroke and it requires immediate medical attention.

It’s going to be hot this week and whether you don’t have air conditioning in your home or you’re trying to save on electric bills, there are plenty of ways to stay cool this summer. You may want to consider going to one of the County’s Cool Zones during the heat of the day. https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/.../Public.../cool-zones.html

The main goal when trying to cool off without air conditioning is to lower your body temperature. This will be easier than trying to cool down your whole home. Once you know the basics of how to keep cool without air conditioning, you can get creative and find your own ways to beat the heat. These tips will help keep you cool, all summer long.
• Spend time in PUBLIC FACILITIES that are air-conditioned.
• Check regularly on those WITHOUT air-conditioning.
• Drink plenty of FLUIDS even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• LIMIT or avoid outside activities, especially at midday when the sun is hottest.
• Wear loose, LIGHTWEIGHT, light-colored clothing and use sunscreen.
• CLOSE your blinds. Your windows let in a lot of heat from the sun.
• Take COOL showers or baths to cool down.
• Skip the STOVE. Instead of cooking inside, consider heading outdoors and using a grill or opting for foods you can eat without warming
• Move DOWNSTAIRS. Heat rises, so consider moving to a lower floor if it’s too hot to sleep upstairs.
• Apply ice packs or cool washcloths. Placing an ice pack or cool washcloth on strong-pulsed areas like your wrists and neck can help to cool you down.

Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy new year!

New Year’s Eve is a time for celebrating. If your celebration includes consuming alcohol, remember drinking and driving are not a good mix. Here are some ways to help you enjoy the evening and get home safely.

• Designate a sober driver. Plan ahead and pick someone dependable to be the sober designated driver. This means you can relax and indulge without worrying about driving yourself home. Pay for your driver’s gasoline and their food while you are out.

• Take a cab or a car service. You said you’d just stay for one drink, but that turned into more. It’s time to put away your keys. A sober driver is just a few taps away with a car service or taxi.

• Take the Trolley. If you live in or around the San Diego metro area, consider taking the trolley. You can enjoy the evening and avoid all the traffic and parking hassles. Don’t drive home from the station if you’ve been drinking, use a car service instead.

• Take the Keys. If you can safely do so, protect others by taking their keys if they attempt to drive after consuming alcohol or if they are otherwise impaired. They may be mad at you, but the alternative is much worse.