As you prepare to enjoy the Labor Day weekend, be advised that much of the Bay Area is under an Excessive Heat Warning and Heat Advisory that is expected to last through next Tuesday. Although many parts of District 5 will be spared from the most extreme temperatures, it will be unusually hot and may impact your health.  In addition, the extreme weather will put a significant strain on our power grid and cause poor air quality.

Whether you are planning to attend events such as Oakland Pride or the Cal Bears home opener, are visiting other parts of Alameda County or the state, or staying home, I want to share with you some important information and resources to help you and your loved ones beat the heat and stay healthy (below).  Please use good judgement, drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen and a hat, stay indoors if possible, and be sure to check in on loved ones and neighbors who might be more vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.

Stay safe,

Keith Carson


Alameda County Heat and Health Preparedness Pocket Guide: Provides guidance and resources to create a Family Emergency Plan. Available in EnglishSpanishChineseVietnameseArabic, and Farsi.

Cooling Centers in Alameda County: A cooling center is a facility, such as a senior center, community center or library, where people may go to get out of life-threatening heat during a heat wave. Click here for a current list of locations. More locations may be added as conditions change.

AC Alert: The primary way to receive up-to-date notifications about events and emergencies that may affect your home, workplace, and other places within Alameda County, including heat alerts. Many cities use AC Alert to emergency information and alerts – such as evacuation and disaster instructions – by voice, text and email. Sign up here.

Zonehaven: Provides neighborhood-level evacuation orders in the event of an emergency such as a wildfire. Under this system, all parts of Alameda County are divided into zones to improve evacuation management. Know Your Zone before the next emergency – look up your zone number and memorize it. Be sure to bookmark the webpage for quick access to the site.

Homeless Heat Emergency Resources: Living on the street and without shelter is especially dangerous during extreme heat. Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless has put together some important information for the community here.

California Department of Public Health Emergency Preparedness Office: Provides helpful tips on preparing for a heat wave and avoiding the greatest health dangers. Click here.

National Weather Service – San Francisco Bay Area: Get up-to-date weather information and learn about potential warnings and hazards here.

Flex Alerts: A Flex Alert is a call for consumers to voluntarily conserve electricity when there is an anticipated shortage of energy supply. When you reduce electricity use during a Flex Alert, it can prevent more dire emergency measures, including rotating power outages. Learn how to reduce your energy use and sign up for alerts hereA Flex Alert has been issued for today, September 2, and tomorrow, September 3, between the hours of 4 PM and 9 PM.

Public Safety Power Shutoffs. Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events are precautionary measures conducted by PG&E during extreme fire danger conditions to help reduce the risk of wildfire. Learn more here. If you or someone you know is living with a disability, or requires accessibility, financial or language support, PG&E has partnerships to provide translations, food, transportation and backup power resources here.

Spare the Air: Sign up for alerts that will notify you when ozone levels and particle levels are forecast to be unhealthy and when it is illegal to burn wood. On days when a Spare the Air Alert has been issued, you should consider limiting outdoor activities and should reduce pollution by using public transportation instead of driving. A Spare the Air Alert has been issued for tomorrow, September 3, 2022.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Extreme weather can cause extreme mental and emotional distress for some. If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis and need someone to talk to, locally trained crisis counselors are available 24/7. Call or text 9-8-8 from anywhere in Alameda County.

If you experience a life-or-death health emergency, please call 9-1-1 immediately.