Provides reminders to implement recommended precautionary measures to keep residents safe and comfortable during extremely hot weather.

SNFs, ICFs and all health facilities 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 residents are free of adverse conditions that may cause heat-related health complications.

Health facilities must also report, to their district office, extreme heat conditions (and all emergency and/or disaster-related occurrences) that compromise patient health and safety and/or require an evacuation, transfer, or discharge of residents.

Monitor weather predictions for fluctuations in extreme temperatures and take extra precautions to be sure appropriate air conditioning equipment is well maintained and operating effectively. The NWS Heat Risk website can help identify potential heat risks in the seven day forecast.

Summer brings the potential for fluctuating high temperatures and the elderly and other health compromised individuals are more susceptible to temperature extremes and possible dehydration. CDPH recommendations to prepare:

1. Ensure a comfortable climate for staff, visitors, and residents:

(a) Engage facilities management to deliver a comfortable ambient environment and safe storage conditions: for example, ensure climate control, adequate ventilation, and proper PPE usage; preserve power infrastructure through power management and partnerships; and procure/service critical cooling equipment.

(b) Contingency planning: Facilities should use portable fans and other temporary cooling devices when indicated.

(i) Ensure fans are used properly:

1. Ceiling fans: setting fan to rotate counterclockwise will push air down. Check to see if your ceiling fan can do this.

2. REMINDER: While electric fans might provide some comfort, when temperatures are really hot, they won't prevent heat-related illness.

3. Avoid the use of high-speed settings on fans.

4. Orient fans to promote airflow from clean-to-less-clean direction, for example, from other parts of a facility towards locations with known or suspected COVID-19 cases, and then to the outside.

5. Mount fans in open windows or place them near open windows to direct indoor air to flow outside.

6. Position fans so that air does not blow from one person to another.

7. Do not have residents congregate in outside areas where window fans are located.

2. Be prepared for heat- and summer-related illness:

(a) Heat-related illness: heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn, and heat rash, with varying susceptibilities across population segments. Be prepared to care for heat-related illnesses, particularly to identify population groups disproportionately affected by heat-related illnesses.

(b) Summer-related illnesses: the risk for mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus increases in the summer. Although relatively uncommon, remain vigilant to detect new cases.

3. Take precautions to maintain adequate hydration among residents, staff, and visitors, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Review CDPH’s Fast Facts: Preventing Summer Heat Injuries and implement the following measures to keep residents comfortable during extremely hot weather:

· Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing

· Keep residents well hydrated with particular attention to dependent residents

· Minimize physical activities during the hottest parts of the day

· Stay indoors and out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day · Use fans as indicated in the “Fast Facts" page on preventing summer heat injuries

· Open windows where feasible if screens are intact, to allow fresh air to circulate

· Use cool compresses, misting, showers, and baths to promote cooling

· Avoid hot and heavy meals

· Encourage frozen treats such as “popsicles" between meals

· Keep a hydration station readily available to residents, family, and staff

· Be alert to adverse changes in resident conditions that may be heat related

· Develop and implement a system to monitor hydration status and be prepared to take appropriate interventions.

· Pay special attention to patients with medications that make the resident susceptible to high temperatures, e.g., psychotropic medications. The CDC’s Natural Disasters and Severe Weather page also has Extreme Heat prevention guidance.

Clearpol Inc. does not make any guarantees regarding the accuracy of the opinions provided on our platform. Please use your own judgement.