Beat the heat – stay cool, stay hydrated

June 20, 2017

Tips for coping with the hot weather while visiting our Regional Parks

Temperatures are expected to exceed 100 degrees in many areas of the East Bay Regional Park District. Park visitors are urged to stay safe and keep cool. The Park District offers these summer heat safety recommendations:

1. If you visit a park, be sure to wear sunscreen and lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect some of the sun’s energy;

2. During the hottest parts of the day, keep physical activities to a minimum. Stay in the shade.

3. Drink plenty of water even if you do not feel thirsty;

4. Slow down while hiking. Avoid exertion during the hottest part of the day. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day – in the morning between 7 and 10 a.m., and in the evening;

5. Never leave infants, children or the frail elderly unattended in a parked car. The same goes for your pets!

“We need the public to be aware of the dangers of heat-related illness and to use precautionary measures to avoid a medical emergency,” said EBRPD Assistant Fire Chief Paul Cutino. “Every summer emergency services are called on a frequent basis to assist visitors who have become overheated. Prevent a life-threatening situation this summer by being summer heat smart. Stay cool and stay hydrated.”
EBRPD Police Chief Tim Anderson adds, “Dogs are also vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Protect your canine companion by keeping him home on hot days, and going outdoors another time.”

> Outdoor safety tips

> Park District’s 11 swim facilities

The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful public parks and trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties east of San Francisco Bay, established in 1934. The system comprises 120,000 acres in 65 parks including over1,250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature learning.