Holiday Weekend Health Advisory

To: The Campus Community
From: Jennifer Howes, Executive Director of Student Wellness Services
Date: September 4, 2020
Re: Holiday Weekend Health Advisory

As we approach the Labor Day holiday weekend and prepare for what the National Weather Services has warned could be record-breaking high temperatures (with forecasts predicting extended temperatures above 100 degrees, 15 to 20 degrees above normal), we would like to remind Caltech community members of precautions individuals can take to stay safe in the heat during the pandemic.

To mitigate individual and community risks associated with excessive heat or the spread of disease, members of the community should be mindful of the following:

• Avoid unnecessary or prolonged heat exposure by remaining in an air-conditioned environment and avoiding the outdoors during the hottest hours of the day 
• When outside, remember to wear sunscreen, seek out shaded areas, and wear clothing that is light-colored and loose fitting.
• Drink plenty of water, and avoid fluids with caffeine or alcohol.
• If you experience heat-related illness (high body temperatures, vomiting, and pale and clammy skin), call 911 or, if on campus, Caltech Security at Ext. 5000.
• Avoid activities and events that involve close interaction with individuals from outside of your household, whether those events are inside or outside. If sharing a cooled indoor space, practice physical distancing and other preventative health protocols.

With the combination of extreme temperatures and a holiday weekend, we want to increase focus on individuals' adherence with existing protocols and guidelines meant to reduce exposure to COVID-19. We appreciate that the holiday weekend invites an opportunity for social gatherings with friends and family, but ask that all members of the community remain vigilant in following Institute guidelines that require each of us to maintain a minimum of six feet of distance from non-household members, to wear a face covering, and to practice preventative hygiene measures.

It is important to note that staff members from Caltech Facilities are actively engaged with the Pasadena Department of Water and Power and are monitoring power usage and services across campus. Extreme heat conditions may bring added risks for power outages and fire danger. In the event of potential service reductions, blackouts, or other emergency, individuals will be contacted via Everbridge or Service Center email notification. Steps for verifying or updating your contact information for the campus alert systems can be found online.

Thank you all for your continued care and cooperation as we respond to this evolving environment together. Please be safe, and I wish you all a restful and restorative weekend!