The unseasonably warm weather South Valley has recently
experienced
– thermometers hit triple digits here in Morgan Hill and Gilroy
set a record with 96 degrees on Monday – and another warm-up
expected for this weekend is cause for concern on a number of
fronts.
The unseasonably warm weather South Valley has recently experienced – thermometers hit triple digits here in Morgan Hill and Gilroy set a record with 96 degrees on Monday – and another warm-up expected for this weekend is cause for concern on a number of fronts.
Firefighters are prepping for an early fire season, since the warm, dry weather is allowing fuel grasses to cure sooner than normal. Now’s the time, if you haven’t already, to clear weeds and brush to provide a 30-foot defensible space around your home. Trim any tree branches that extend over your roof. Take care when grilling or barbecuing.
If you keep pets outdoors, make sure they have plenty of shade and fresh, cool water. Water is essential to most animals’ cooling systems. A small wading pool is a great way for outdoor dogs to cool off in hot weather. Never leave pets in a closed vehicle on a hot day. It takes a surprisingly short amount of time for temperatures in a closed vehicle to reach deadly levels. Remember, animals with white or light-colored fur can easily sunburn.
Humans, too, need to take extra care during hot weather, which is especially dangerous for infants, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Drink plenty of water, create ventilation with a fan, open windows or air conditioning, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and limit physical exertion. And as with pets, don’t leave a child in a car – even if it’s ‘just’ for a quick errand.
As the temperature rises, so does demand for water and electricity. Be a good neighbor and conserve both so we’ll all have enough. Repair dripping faucets, make sure outdoor sprinklers are watering plants, not sidewalks, driveways or roads, and avoid watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when as much as 30 percent of the moisture is lost to evaporation.
To save electricity, set your thermostat – which ought to be a programmable model – to 78 degrees or higher. Avoid using large electric appliances until after 7 p.m. Turn off lights when no one’s using them, and shut down PCs and accessories, such as printers, monitors and scanners, every night.
If we all take these simple steps, we’ll keep ourselves safer and healthier and we’ll do our part to make sure everyone has enough water and electricity. It’s not a lot to ask and the payoff is enormous.
