Health and Human Services Agency
California Department of Public Health

AFL 16-08

June 17, 2016

TO:

All Health Care Facilities

SUBJECT:

Level II Heat Alert Advisory

All Facilities Letter (AFL) Summary

This AFL notifies health care facilities that the National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watches and Warnings alert from 0700 hours Sunday, June 19 through 2000 hours Tuesday, June 21, 2016, for portions of Southern California. It is highly probable that Southern California will be in Phase II of the State Contingency Plan for Excessive Heat Emergencies.
Facilities must implement recommended precautionary measures to keep individuals safe and comfortable during extremely hot weather and must have contingency plans in place to deal with the loss of air conditioning, or in the case when no air conditioning is available, take measures to ensure patients and residents are free of adverse conditions that may cause heat-related health complications.

There is a high potential for excessive heat in Southern California. The hottest temperatures are expected from 0700 hours Sunday, June 19 through 2000 hours Tuesday, June 21, 2016, with many locations experiencing temperatures of 90-105 degrees in the Valleys; 105-111 degrees in the Inland Empire and High Desert; and 110-120 degrees in the Coachella Valley and Low Desert.

Facilities must remember that elderly and other health-compromised individuals are more susceptible to extreme temperature and dehydration. It is important that facility administrators monitor weather predictions for fluctuations in extreme temperatures and take extra precautions to ensure air conditioning equipment is well maintained and operating effectively.

For more information, the L&C Program recommends facilities review "Fast Facts: Preventing Summer Heat Injuries" attached to AFL 16-06 (Hot Summer Weather Advisory) released June 7, 2016. This AFL will provide guidance and recommendations on how to keep residents and clients comfortable during extremely hot weather in addition to important reporting information. You will find this AFL at the following link:

LNC-AFL-16-06

Sincerely,

Original signed by Jean Iacino

Jean Iacino
Deputy Director