Climate change is causing hotter weather, poor air quality, higher sea levels, and more extreme weather. All of these changes can be harmful to our health.
It's important to learn about these health risks and how to protect yourself and your family from them.
Check out this chart to understand how climate change could affect your health.
Download the PowerPoint versions of the chart in English [PPTX – 4.05 MB] or Spanish [PPTX – 1.71 MB].
Content source: CDC
Many people are talking about climate change, but not everything you hear is true.
Watch out for myths and wrong information!
Myth busting: Learn the facts about climate and energy from the UN (also in Spanish / en español)
Climate change basics: Wondering what climate change is or why it matters? Is it actually happening? NASA’s Climate Change guide offers straightforward explanations.
Stay current with science: Keep up with the latest in climate science with interactive tools and maps at Climate.gov (NOAA).
Check out the NIEHS Climate Change and Human Health Literature Portal.
Not clear on the scientific terms? The Climate Change and Human Health Glossary can help you understand the science more easily.
Find out if your neighborhood is at risk of wildfires, smoke, floods, and extreme heat.
Knowing about these risks is crucial for being prepared.
Use the Know Your Hazards Tool to understand dangers like wildfires, earthquakes, and floods in your area and learn how to prepare for them.
Explore MyHazards from Cal OES to check for natural hazards and find information to keep yourself safe.
Check the San Diego County Emergency Map to stay updated on current emergencies or disasters in our region.
Use the CDC Heat & Health Tracker for local information on heat and health. It helps you prepare for and manage extreme heat.
Visit NWS HeatRisk for a seven-day forecast of heat-related risks.
Check if you or someone you know is more likely to get sick from the heat through Heat Ready CA.
Check the Air Quality Index (AQI) in your area using AirNow and learn how to protect your health.
Stay updated on air quality changes due to wildfires through the Fire and Smoke Map.
Check out FEMA's Flood Map Service Center website to see maps and get information about flood risks in your area.
Stay cool and healthy in very hot weather.
Watch out for early signs of heat-related illnesses.
Check if you’re more likely to get sick from the heat by visiting the CDC Extreme Heat and Heat Ready CA web pages.
Read the Ready.gov Extreme Heat Guide for simple ways to stay cool and drink enough water.
Get tips on protecting yourself and your pets from the heat on the CDC Extreme Heat page.
Look into the FEMA Be Prepared for Extreme Heat Guide to know what to do during a heat warning (also in Spanish / en español).
Find spots with air conditioning, like community centers.
Visit the San Diego County Cool Zones website to locate a nearby cool place.
Your local library, such as the San Diego County Library or the San Diego Public Library, can also be a cool option.
Read the San Diego County HHSA Extreme Heat guide for facts and tips for San Diego County residents.
The California Department of Public Health's Extreme Heat page has information on getting ready for hot weather and what to do during extreme heat.
For health information on heat illnesses, check the Heat Illness page on MedlinePlus.
With hotter and drier weather, the risk of wildfires is higher, especially in areas like forests, grasslands, or canyons.
Action guide: Read Ready, Set, Go! Your Personal Wildland Fire Action Guide for helpful tips tailored to San Diego County.
Stay informed: Sign up for alerts and apps to stay updated on wildfire risks and emergencies.
Be prepared for an emergency: Check the disaster planning section for vital tips.
Your Personal Wildland Fire Action Guide from the City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department provides essential information.
Ready for Wildfire by CAL FIRE assists in creating a plan, staying informed about nearby wildfires, and learning safe evacuation procedures.
CDC Wildfire Resources help you stay safe before, during, and after a wildfire.
Visit the Ready.gov Wildfire page, which offers helpful tips to prepare for wildfires.
For more health-related information, check out the MedlinePlus Wildfires web page.
Wildfires can be risky, not just because of the fire, but also due to the harmful smoke they produce.
This smoke is especially bad for the health of children, older adults, pregnant women, and anyone with heart or lung problems.
Here's what you can do to stay safe from wildfire smoke.
Check out the CDC's Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke guide to learn how wildfire smoke affects us and what actions we can take.
Explore Smoke Ready California for tips on checking air quality, keeping the air clean inside your home, and evacuating safely from smoke.
Stay updated on the air quality in your area. Visit the San Diego County air quality website.
Use the California Smoke Spotter app for real-time updates on wildfire and smoke locations.
Explore the U.S. EPA’s AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.
If you or someone you know has a long-term health condition, be extra careful.
Read the CDC's advice on wildfire smoke and chronic conditions.
Make a special room in your home to keep out wildfire smoke.
Follow the EPA's guide on How to Create a Clean Room.
Visit the Ready.gov Floods page to find out how to get ready for a flood, what to do during one, and how to handle things after it's over (also in Spanish / en español).
Check out the Erosion Control for Homeowners page on the San Diego County website to learn how to keep your property safe from floods.
Read the Homeowner’s Guide for Flood, Debris, and Erosion Control from San Diego County. It has lots of tips on how to protect your house or business.
If you live or have a business in San Diego County, you can get free sand and sandbags to help protect your place from flood water and ground erosion. Find out where to pick them up.
Learn about the ways you can be flood ready from the California Department of Water Resources.
Read the Quick Guide to Safety Before, During, and After Floods from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (also in Spanish / en español).
In San Diego County, we deal with natural disasters like wildfires, earthquakes, and floods.
Preparing for these challenges is essential to protect your home and support your community.
The County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services has useful guides to help you prepare. These include:
Personal Disaster Plan: Available in 12 languages, this guide helps you make an evacuation plan, put together an emergency supply kit, stay informed, and stay in touch with your family.
Personal Disaster Plan For People Who May Need Assistance: Specifically made for older adults, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and others who might need extra help preparing for disasters.
The Disaster Ready Guide from Listos California gives step-by-step instructions for disaster preparation in different languages.
Ready America provides information to prepare for different emergencies and disasters.
Prepare with Pedro is a fun program from the American Red Cross made for kids to learn about being ready for disasters.
211 San Diego is a 24-hour helpline that provides non-emergency information during a disaster.
They inform you about road closures, evacuation routes, food assistance, shelters, and other services.
Get notifications about extreme heat, wildfires, and other climate emergencies, along with what to do.
Sign up for AlertSanDiego.
AlertSanDiego will call, text, or email you during an emergency in San Diego County. You'll know exactly what's happening and how to stay safe.
If you're deaf, blind, hard of hearing, or deaf/blind, choose the “Accessible AlertSanDiego” option for information that suits your needs.
Install the SD Emergency App.
Get quick updates during emergencies and tips on preparing for different situations.
This page was last reviewed on January 17, 2024.