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Home My WebLink AboutMINUTES - 06052001 - SD.3 J • TO: BOARD O1: S11SD.313ERVISORS �K-L Contra •C�' ,'- G• FROM: f �•, John Sweeten, County Administrator Costa County June 5, 2001 .... —a-- DATE: � � �i'iii�'� SUBJECT: Cool Safe Summer SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. ACKNOWLEDGE receipt of report. 2. ADOPT public information campaign strategy to provide information on health risks due to excessive heat; availability of energy assistance programs; and listing of safe and cool sites for the elderly and others who may be impacted by effects of excessive summer heat. 3. AUTHORIZE the County Administrator and OES to disseminate this public information on heat-related issues throughout Contra Costa County, including public service announcements through local newspapers, radio stations, CCTV, and also distributing flyers to libraries, city halls, community centers and community-based organizations. BACKGROUND: Emergency Crisis Fact Sheet for Seniors Pursuant to the action of the Board of Supervisors on May 1, 2001, the County Administrator has been working with an internal task force from the Departments of Health Services, Employment and Human Services, Community Services, General Services and the Office of Emergency Services to develop a strategic plan to publicize the availability of safe, cool sites for frail and elderly who are at risk from excessive heat to utilize in the event of rolling blackouts or lack of air conditioning. The task force met a number of times CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE: RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE(S): ACTION OF BOARD ON June 5 2001 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER See the attached addendum for the Board's action - VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE XX UNANIMOUS(ABSENT --- ) ANDICORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN. ATTESTED June 5, 2001 Contact: PHIL BATCHELOR,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF cc: Tony Colon, Director, CSD SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR John Cullen, Director, E&HS Bart Gilbert, Director, GSD Bill Walker, Director, HSD �/� ol Scott Parsons, OES BY��" DEPUTY SD-3 and gathered research from other counties for this public information campaign. In addition, the Public Managers'Association was provided a copy of the Board Order at their meeting of May 2, so that those cities that either have their own community senior centers or know of private, non-profit sites that might be made available can participate in this effort. Health Tips Fact Sheet and Senior Health Supplement The Department of Health Services has prepared for County OES a comprehensive fact sheet with tips for seniors and others whose health may be compromised. This fact sheet, in flyer form, will help citizens in preparing themselves for the effects of blackouts and disruption of air conditioning, and if followed, should reduce the need for people to relocate to congregate centers (Attachment#1). In addition the Area Agency on Aging Newsletter will contain a Senior Health Information Supplement for surviving summer heat (Attachment #2). The public can obtain additional information can be obtained by calling 1-800-510-2020. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) The Community Services Department manages the LIHEAP program, which is funded by the Federal and State governments, that helps low income households pay their energy bills. Eligibility is based on a household's total monthly income and is required to be targeted towards those households with high energy costs including elderly and disabled persons. Persons living in board and care and nursing or convalescent homes are not eligible. Only one payment per household can be honored per calendar year. The County was recently notified that effective June 1, 2001, an additional $185,000 was made available by the State. Inquiries and applications regarding this program may be obtained by calling the Community Services Department, (925) 646-5756. Cool Sites and Centers The Employment and Human Services Department, in conjunction with various cities and community-based organizations, has identified ten locations atthis time that can be utilized as cool sites in the event of blackouts or loss of power for extended periods of time. The cool sites are primarily senior or community centers and located in East County, Central County and West County. A copy of those sites' names, locations, operating hours and telephone numbers are attached and will be made a part of the public information campaign. County staff continues to make inquiries and do research with the cities and community-based organizations to identify additional sites that can be added to this list (Attachment #3). Public Information Campaign Strategy The County OES will publicize the three elements of this program relating to health risks; availability of energy assistance programs; and notifying the public of the list of available cool sites. CCTV has been contacted and will provide additional public information throughout its community access and information channel. OES will have copies of the flyers made and be available for distribution throughout the County, and will also be available to libraries, city halls, community centers, as well as major County facilities. -2- ADDENDUM TO ITEM SD.3 June 5, 2001 On this day, the Board of Supervisors considered the report from the County Administrator on "Cool Safe Summer"., a campaign strategy to provide information on health risks due to excessive heat; availability of energy assistance programs; and listing of safe and cool sites for the elderly and others who may be impacted by effects of excessive summer heat. Scott Tandy, Chief Assistant County Administrator, and Sharon Johnson, Area Agency on Aging, Employment and Human Services, presented the report and recommendations. The Board discussed the matter. The public hearing was opened and no one appeared to speak. The Board continued their discussion. In addition to the report, Supervisor DeSaulnier requested staff indicate which facilities have back up generators in the event of rolling blackouts. Supervisor Gioia suggested it would be useful to list major sites in both the County and cities, which are air-conditioned and open every day, including weekends. Supervisor DeSaulnier moved the staffs recommendations along with the suggestions. .He also requested staff post this information on the County website. Supervisor Gioia second the motion. ` EL 4, ATTACHMENT #1 � Pp as cost►° -, . CONTRA COSTA COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES Summer Safety Tips for Health, Heat, Home and Help The summer months can be hot ones for everyone but during California's energy crisis the situation could become overwhelming. If you have very young, elderly or other vulnerable people living with or near you, following these simple guidelines could make the critical difference. The Office of Emergency Services is encouraging advance preparations be made now so that we all may have a healthy and safe summer. PERSONAL CARE NETWORK HEALTHY TIPS FOR HEAT Set up a personal care network of ❑ Stay out of the direct sun and heat. individuals who will check with you in an ❑ Drink LOTS of water. emergency to ensure you are okay and ❑ Minimize physical exertion. give assistance if needed. ❑ Sit with feet in cool water. ❑ Make plans NOW to have a friend, ❑ Use damp towels on wrists and back neighbor or relative check on you. of neck and cool with hand held ❑ Exchange medical information and battery operated fan. keys. ❑ Avoid caffeine, sugar and alcohol. L3Keep electric lights off or turned down. TELEPHONES LJ If you have mobility problems, keep If you have your phone plugged into an assisting devices and basic answering machine and the machine plugs emergency supplies within reach. into the wall, the phone won't work if the Portable oxygen tanks should be power goes out. To use your phone: readily available. L3Keep a spare phone to plug directly into LI Signs of heat related problems the phone jack, or Include: weakness, dizziness, nausea L3 Unplug phone from the answering and muscle cramps. machine and plug the phone directly into phone jack. PERSONAL HEALTH CARD ❑ Cell phones may be an option. Keep a personal health card at home and ❑ Cordless phones will not operate. carry one with you listing: 0 Medications 0 Allergies KEEP TUNED IN Keep a portable radio with extra, batteries � Medical Provider or a solar-powered radio — tune into KCBS Emergency Contact (740 AM) or KGO (810 AM). PREPARING FOR A BLACKOUT PREPARING FOR HEAT ❑ Have a flashlight with extra batteries. ❑ Keep a few bottles of water in your ❑ Keep cash on hand, ATM's won't work. freezer. If the power goes out, move ❑ Purchase battery powered security the bottles to the refrigerator section. lights that turn on when the power goes Keep the refrigerators doors SHUT. off. ❑ Keep plenty of bottled water available. ❑ CANDLES CAN BE HAZARDOUS. ❑ Learn what outage block you are in. ❑ Keep an extra blanket within reach. ❑ If you take medication that needs to ❑ A whistle or hand-held alarm can let be refrigerated, medicine may need to someone know you need help. be placed in the freezer in the event of ❑ A battery-operated radio can keep you an outage of three hours or more. informed about the blackout. ❑ Be aware of heat waves by listening to ❑ If you depend on medical equipment or reading local media. that needs power to operate but can ❑ Wear light colored, lightweight and run on batteries, have extra batteries. loose fitting clothing. ❑ Keep your vehicle's gas tank at least % ❑ If it is daytime, close all blinds, drapes, full — gas station pumps rely on doors, and windows to keep the heat electricity. out. If it is cooler outside than in, open ❑ Keep a manual can opener available. windows and doors. ❑ Turn off all lights and appliances to ❑ Health danger signs: nausea, muscle prevent power surges when service is cramps, dizziness, and weakness. If restored. Leave one light on to indicate you have these symptoms seek when the electricity is back. medical attention immediately or... ❑ Electric garage doors will not operate ............••••••call 911 . without power— plan for this. GO-KIT Make a go-kit that you can grab quickly and take with you if you need to go to another place. Store the following supplies in a bag with handles such as a duffel bag or backpack: D At least three bottles of water D Cap or hat D Copy of current prescriptions D Energy bar(s) food items . D Extra pair of tennis shoes O Health Card (see other side) O Medication for three days D Pad and pencil D Small battery operated radio D Small first-aid kit O Small flashlight D Sweater or liqht iacket D Whistle FOR SENIORS OR THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANCE PLEASE CALL 1-800-510-2020 THIS FLYER WAS A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT BETWEEN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES, HEALTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT, EMPLOYMENT AND HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, CONTRA COSTA CRISIS CENTER C.A.R.D.PROGRAM c ATTACHMENT #2 •e alion IMPORTANT TIPS FOR SURIVITWG SUMMERIS HEAT Last summer in Chicago, as the temperature soared to 144 degrees F, 733 people-died:of heat-related causes such as heat stroke and heart attack Three-quarters of the victims were oveage 65. Many had diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, or other illnesses that:inad --,ihem vulnerable to the heat. When air temperatures rise, however, all older adults are at risk because aging reduces the'body's ability to cool off.Many people are unaware of this danger.For example,one Chicago wbnian died^vile walking to the dentist's office only six blocks from her home. Such deaths are especially tragic.because they can nearly always be prevented. But excessive heat can impair judgment and cause confusion;.so precautions must be taken before you feel too hot. THE BODrS COOLING SYSTEM The body's thermostat is in the hypothalamus, a small portion of the brain that regulates body temperature. The thermostat is set at about 98.6 degrees F. When the hypothalamus senses that body temperature is too high, either because of the weather or an illness, it increases sweat production and dilates blood vessels in the skin. Sweating cools the body through evaporation. Dilating blood vessels brings warm blood from the body's core toward the surface, permitting heat to be transferred to the environment Normal aging reduces the effectiveness of these mechanisms by raising the temperature threshold for sweating,thirst,and heat-related discomfort Medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease,lung disease, and diabetes can worsen the problem. For example, to increase sweat production and redirect blood, the heart must beat harder and faster. In a person with cardiovascular disease, the increased workload may lead to heart failure. Heat waves generally double the number of deaths from heart disease and other heat-sensitive conditions. By hindering sweat production and blood flow, some medications (notably antihistamines, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers; anticholinergics, antidepressants, anti-Parldnson's drugs, and diuretics) can also affect the body's ability to cope with heat. WARNING SIGNS The first and mildest of heat-related illness may be muscle cramps in the legs. Such cramps occur when the body loses water and salt (the two components of sweat) as a result of profuse sweating. Salt loss may cause painful muscle contractions,usually just after exertion. If heat loss mechanisms continue to fail, heat exhaustion may develop. Symptoms include profuse sweating, muscle cramps, dizziness, vomiting ,fatigue,and fainting. Heat stroke is an extreme and serious extension of heat exhaustion. It occurs when rising body temperature outpaces the ability to dissipate heat. As a result, body temperature continues to rise sharply. Brain cells are quickly affected and may become permanently damaged. Symptoms include disorientation,delirium, and coma. Onset can be rapid,with progession to a life-threatening state within minutes. ATTACHMENT #3 SENIOR CENTERS And NUTRITION SITES WEST COUNTY CENTRAL COUNTY EAST COUNTY San Pablo Senior Adult Concord Senior Centex Antioch Senior Center Center John Baldwin Park 415 West 2nd Street 1943 Church Lane 2727 Parkside Circle Antioch 94509 San Pablo 94806 Concord 94519 Coordinator: Dave Director: Lupe Monterrosa Director: Diane Lorenzetti Sanderson Phone: (510) 215-3095 Phone: (925) 687-2585 Phone: (925) 778-1158 8:30-4:00 Mon-Fri 9:30 -4:30 Mon-Fri Mon- Fri: Hercules Senior Center Walnut Creek Seniors' Club Bethel Island Scout Hall I I 1 Civic Drive Civic Park Community 3090 Ranch Lane Hercules 94547 Center Bethel Island 94511 Director: Janet Bewley 1375 Civic Drive Mailing Address: P. 0. Phone: (510) 799-8219 Walnut Creek 94596 Box 1501 9.00 -2:00 Mon-Fri Director: Dolores Lendrum Bethel Island 94511 Phone: (925) 943-5851 Site Manager: Diane 9:00-4:00 Mon-Fri Wollaston Phone: (925) 684-9967 10:00 -2:00 Mon- Fri Pinole Senior Center San Ramon Senior Center Ambrose Center 2500 Charles Avenue 9300 Alcosta Blvd, 3105 Willow Pass Road Pinole 94564 San Ramon 94583 Bay Point 94565 r Director: Marge Scott Program Director: Esther Director: Patty Lambert Phone: (510)724-9800 Lucas Phone: (925) 778-1158 8:30-5:00 Mon-Fri Phone: (925) 973-3250 8:00 -5:00 Mon-Fri 8:30- 7:00 Mon - Thursday 8:30 - 5:00 Fri Oakley Senior Center 987 Rosemary Lane Oakley 94561 Director: Karts Mendosa Phone: (925) 625-3525 10:00 -2:00 Mon-Fri Revised: 5-24-01 M20 senior centers.doc