Kern County residents brace the heat , prepping for high temperatures

BAKERSFIELD,Calif. — Kern County residents on Tuesday are bracing for high temperatures this coming week.

23-year-old, Eddie Martinez, from Bakersfield, says they stay cool by hydrating. Martinez ensures they are always parking in shaded areas when out.

“You just got to learn to deal with it,” said Martinez. “It's like Vegas, but without the lights, you get all the heat and no excitement.”

Other residents shared that they make sure they only run errands during the mornings and evenings.

“Yea I use sun shades, because it keeps your car cooler and it also reflects the sun, so when you get in the car you don’t burn your hands,” Martinez said.
“Something you don’t expect when you get in your car.”

This is something that the Kern County Public Health Department lists as a tip for individuals to keep healthy during a potential heat wave.

“You must be careful when out in the heat,” said Michelle Corson ,from Kern County Public Health Department.
“And be careful on how much alcohol you intake, sugary drinks, and heavy meals will dehydrate you.”

Corson says some places to go to beat the heat include movie theaters, libraries or the mall. Some heat illnesses to look out for include: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke.

“Heat Stroke which is the more dangerous include,” Corson said. “Some symptoms [ for heat stroke] are high temperatures, nausea headaches and confusion and losing consciousness.”

Corson says that if you experience this you need to call 911 right away.

Cooling centers in our area will open once temperatures reach 105 degrees and list of those can be found on this link.