Stay Cool Redlands

High heat is no joke. Stay cool and stay safe.

High heat is a danger for all Redlands residents. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) sates that any temperature above 90° F, our bodies have to work overtime to keep us cool. The summer months in Redlands (June, July, August, and September) have an average temperature of 92.5°, this means that in those months, we are all at risk for heat illness. 

Call 911 immediately if you are experiencing heat illness.

Public Health Concerns

High heat isn’t just a climate issue; it’s a major public health concern. With temperatures only projected to get hotter, individual livelihoods and health are at major risk. This is one of the main reasons why climate action is needed. 

Our bodies try to cool us down via perspiration (sweat). When sweat is evaporated off our skin, our body cools. When our bodies run out of fluids to sweat, we can develop heat illness, like the ailments described below. 

In heat waves, humans experience increased: 

• Mortality
• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Respiratory disease
• Preterm labor & delivery
• Violence*
• Adverse mental health episodes
• Decreased learning abilities & test scores

This can sound really scary! However, it’s important to be aware of the dangerous reality of high heat. Some folks are more susceptible to heat illness than others. The elderly, small children, those with chronic illness have the most risk. 

How to Stay Cool in Redlands

The best approach to heat illness is preventing it in the first place. Here are our favorite tips to stay cool: 

• Stay hydrated! – Drink water to help your body stay cool. Fluids with electrolytes are also very important in a heat wave. 
• Dress for the weather. – Light-weight clothing will keep you cool. Sun protective clothing will also prevent sunburns. 
• Stay out of the heat. – Sometimes it’s unavoidable, but staying out of the heat and in air-conditioned spaces is the best way to stay cool.
• Avoid strenuous activity. – Overworking your body, while it’s overworking to keep you cool is dangerous and can worsen heat illness. Folks who work in the elements should acclimatize during heat waves. Read more about working in the heat here. 

Learn more about our local cooling centers by clicking here. 

*Data shows an increase in gunshot and stabbing wounds during heat waves.