Another hot week is coming to the Santa Clarita Valley with triple-digit temperatures expected to hit the area Monday.
The high heat and rising temperatures are expected to increase throughout the week and weekend, with daily highs at more than 100 degrees each day.
On Monday, there will also be a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.
As a reminder during the hot summer months, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a statement Friday reminding residents to protect themselves from extreme heat.
The statement also included information to recognize the signs of heat stress and heat-related illness.
According to the department, people suffering from heat stress may experience heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale, and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; and nausea or vomiting.
Additional, early signs of heat stress include: muscle cramps, heat rash, fainting or near-fainting spells, and a pulse or heart rate greater than 100.
If someone is experiencing heat stress they should move to a cooler location to lie down, sip water, and apply cool and wet cloths to the body, especially to the head, neck arm pits and upper legs near the groin area where 70 percent of body heat can be lost.
They should remain in the cold location until they recover and have a pulse heart rate well under 100 beats per minute, according to the department.
The department also provided information about the “most severe heat-related illness,” heat stroke.
Signs of heat stroke include: “a body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit; hot, red, dry or moist skin; rapid and strong pulse; and altered mental status which can range from confusion and agitation to unconsciousness.”
If a person is suffering from heat stroke, individuals should immediately call 911 and take steps to cool the person off.
To help prevent heat-related illness, the U.S. Department of Health and human Services recommends:
- Spend time in locations with air-conditioning when possible.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Good choices are water and diluted sport electrolyte drinks (1 part sport drink to 2 parts water) unless told otherwise by a doctor.
- Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
