Redirected: Operating an extreme weather site during COVID-19

Stay healthy during extreme weather

COVID-19

• Individuals who are sick with COVID-19 should not use an extreme weather site. If they do not have a place to isolate, the COVID-19 Information Warmline can help. Call them at 628-652-2700.
• Encourage people to wear masks at the extreme weather site, especially those who are high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
• Follow more advice on staying safe in public shelters.
• In case someone later tests positive for COVID-19: 
  • Keep track of who worked each shift and their contact information.
  • Ask visitors to provide contact information, so you can tell people about an exposure.

Extreme weather

• Follow updates and guidance from sf72.org.  
• Extreme heat can be dangerous. Older adults and other groups may be at greater risk from extreme heat. Know the warning signs for heat-related illness. 
• Unhealthy air quality can also affect your health and can be more dangerous for certain groups. People who have COVID-19 or have recently recovered from it are also at more risk from unhealthy air.  Know the difference between symptoms from smoke exposure and COVID-19. 
• When both heat and air quality are problems, focus on cooling down first.  Heat kills more people and much more quickly than unhealthy air in most situations. You can open doors or windows to let in fresh air even when the air is unhealthy to keep indoor spaces from becoming too hot.
• Understand Air Quality Index basics and keep track of the air quality. 
• There is advice for how individuals with medical needs can prepare. Encourage individuals who may have trouble accessing help to prepare early. 

See extreme weather tips for all San Franciscans.

Preparing an extreme weather site

Cleaner air sites are public spaces where people can seek relief from wildfire smoke.

• Cleaner air sites should have central air conditioning with medium- or high-efficiency filters. 

Cooling sites should have Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and tall ceilings.

• Further guidance for cooling centers is available from CDPH and CDC.
• Adjustments to your HVAC system must follow all applicable building codes.
• Follow instructions and advice from your building’s safety engineers or operations staff.

Ventilation

Follow CDPH guidance for indoor ventilation, filtration, and air quality. Use fresh air whenever possible to help prevent COVID-19. Good ventilation will help protect individuals from COVID-19 and unhealthy air.

Further guidance is available for building operations and selecting a portable air cleaner.

Cleaning

Follow guidance for cleaning your facility.