Santa Barbara County under extreme heat warning; health officials urge residents to take precautions

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — As extreme heat continues across Santa Barbara County, local health officials are urging residents to take advantage of cooling resources and watch for signs of heat-related illness.

County Health Director Mouhanad Hammami said residents who need relief from the heat can use local cooling centers and other public spaces.

“There are some cooling stations or cooling centers, such as libraries, the movies, for example,” Hammami said. “I know the city of Goleta has a cooling center, so make sure you take advantage of that.”

Hammami said transportation should not prevent people from seeking a cooler location. He pointed to Easy Lift as one organization that can provide transportation to cooling centers for those who need it.

County Health is particularly encouraging residents to check on older adults, young children and others who may be more vulnerable to extreme temperatures.

Officials are also reminding people to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion, which can include dizziness, nausea and heavy sweating.

Hammami said one of the biggest mistakes people make is ignoring those warning signs.

“The biggest mistake people make during these conditions? Either to continue going on or to ignore the exhaustion they're feeling and think that, you know, it's normal,” Hammami said.

Outdoor workers urged to take breaks

The heat can be especially challenging for people who work outside.

Construction workers are being encouraged to take frequent breaks, stay hydrated and move into shade or an air-conditioned space whenever possible.

Alfonso Rodriguez, an iron worker, said the job can be physically demanding, especially when temperatures rise.

Rodriguez said he takes the work seriously because construction workers contribute to the community, including by building shade structures and other infrastructure.

But he has also seen the effects of heat on workers.

“A lot of the times people, they get like, heatstroke on the way home, you know, after you think you're cool and all that, your body is dehydrated,” Rodriguez said.

His advice to other outdoor workers is to prepare before the workday even begins.

“Definitely. Hydrate the night before. Get rest, eat healthy, you know, and exercise your body. You know, stay healthy. That really helps a lot,” Rodriguez said.

Don't let the coastal breeze fool you

Even along the Santa Barbara coast, where temperatures can feel more comfortable because of the marine influence, health officials say residents should still take precautions.

Santa Barbara resident Allan Howard said the coastal breeze can make conditions feel more manageable.

“It's good here because we get the onshore flow. So it's actually more comfortable here. Sometimes when there's no wind, it gets really baking hot,” Howard said.

But health officials say a comfortable breeze does not eliminate the risk of heat-related illness.

Residents are encouraged to seek shade, stay hydrated and avoid prolonged outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day.

Animal shelters also need help

People aren't the only ones feeling the effects of the heat.

Santa Barbara County Animal Services says its Santa Barbara and Lompoc shelters do not have air conditioning and is urgently seeking foster families for shelter animals.

Fostering can provide animals with a cooler, more comfortable place to stay during the extreme heat while also helping relieve pressure on the shelters.

People interested in fostering can call 833-422-8413 or visit one of the county's animal shelters.

Pet owners are also encouraged to provide animals with plenty of fresh water and access to shade, avoid walking dogs during the hottest parts of the day and never leave pets unattended in a vehicle.

Santa Barbara County Fire officials say the extreme heat is increasing both fire and medical risks, with dry fuels and poor overnight recovery creating conditions where a new fire could spread quickly, even without Red Flag Warning-level winds. Crews are also watching for any wind that could push a fire toward homes.

Officials say older adults, young children, outdoor workers, people without access to cooling and pets are especially vulnerable to heat illness. They recommend staying out of the midday sun, drinking water, checking on neighbors, and avoiding activities that could spark a fire, including mowing dry grass.

For additional information about staying safe during the heat wave, residents can visit ReadySBC's heat and fire weather resources.