San Joaquin Times

WASHINGTON – On July 14, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-9) is warning San Joaquin County residents about heat-related illnesses and keeping pets and children safe. The National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Warning for the region for July 15th and 16th, with 100 degree temperatures expected today and over the coming days. Rep. Harder is working to raise awareness about hot car deaths, which are entirely preventable. He encourages people with children to check their back seat every time they park to avoid tragedies. Each year on average in the U.S., 38 children younger than 15 die as a result of being left in a hot vehicle. So far in 2023, 11 children have died from heat stroke after being left in a car. On hot days, only minutes in a car can cause severe illness or death and nearly all of these tragic incidents happen when a parent or caregiver simply forgets that a child is in the car.

“As we head into another heat wave, it’s important to take steps to keep ourselves and our families safe and to know the signs of heat-related illnesses so we can act before it’s too late. Heat exhaustion usually happens before heat stroke, so if someone is experiencing dizziness, nausea, extreme thirst, or a sudden loss of energy, action should be taken right away to cool the person down. Heat stroke, on the other hand, is a medical emergency and can be deadly. Everyone needs to know the signs – confusion, high body temperature without sweating, convulsions, or a loss of consciousness mean it’s time to call 911,” said Rep. Harder. “Dogs and kids are especially vulnerable in extreme heat, so it’s important to take an extra moment to check your back seat whenever you park your car. Let’s do everything we can to keep our loved ones safe this summer.”

In the United States, heat-related illnesses result in an average of over 700 deaths each year, including nearly 100 in California. Heat leads to an average of nearly 68,000 emergency room visits and over 9,000 hospitalizations across the country every year. More information and resources on heat-related illnesses are available HERE.

Original source can be found here