Consumer Alert on Extreme Heat
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Keeping Californians safe during extreme heat
July 18, 2023 - Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet more than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States, including many in California. The Department of Insurance is working on long-term solutions to protect people from the deadly effects of extreme heat waves. Last year Commissioner Lara sponsored a new law creating the nation’s first-ever heat wave ranking system for California. We are working quickly to have an extreme heat ranking system in place by Jan. 1, 2025 with actions you can take to protect yourself and your family.
Here are steps you can take right now to be safer from extreme heat waves.
STAY SAFE & HEALTHY
- Avoid strenuous activity and direct exposure to the sun during the hottest parts of the day
- Stay hydrated and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water.
- Check the National Weather Service officer for your area, your local government and news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips and to learn about any cooling shelters in your area.
- Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as you can. If you do not have access to air conditioning, find a public cooling center near you. Cooling centers in your county can be found here.
- Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
PROTECT YOUR PETS
- Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors.
- Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.
- Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle.
- Check the sidewalks before taking your dog on a walk and don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt.
INSURANCE HAS YOU COVERED
- Health insurance is there for you if you experience any symptoms of heat related illness and need medical care.
- Home warranties or home protection contracts can help repair or replace your air conditioning unit or other appliances that may overheat.
- Pet insurance may have coverage for any heat-related problems for your furry friends.
The Department of Insurance is committed to working with our partners to protect consumers and keep them safe. If you need any insurance help we are available to assist. Contact us at 800-927-4357 or visit us online at insurance.ca.gov.
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Additional resources:
Heat Safety Tips and Resources (weather.gov)
Keep Your Cool in Hot Weather | Environmental Health Features (cdc.gov)
Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us at www.insurance.ca.gov via webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833.
