By Mike Bires on Wednesday, September 09, 2015
Category: Other News

Heat Warning

High temperatures and a heat alert have been forecasted for the Los Angeles Basin, Santa Clarita Valley, San Fernando Valley, and San Gabriel Valley areas. This alert is effective between September 9th through September 10th.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health would like to remind everyone that precautions should be taken, especially by individuals who participate in outdoor activities, older adults, caretakers of infants and children, and those sensitive to the heat. This alert may be extended if weather conditions do not improve.

“When temperatures are high, even a few hours of exertion may cause severe dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Others who are frail or have chronic health conditions may develop serious health problems leading to death if they are exposed to high temperatures over several days,” said Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, MD, MPH, Interim Health Officer, Los Angeles County. “Thus, it is critically important to never leave children, elderly people, or pets unattended in homes with no air conditioning and particularly in vehicles, even if the windows are ‘cracked’ or open, as temperatures inside can quickly rise to life-threatening levels.

If you have an elderly or infirm neighbor without air conditioning, make sure that they get to a cooling center or other air- conditioned space between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.”

Local Cooling Centers

Please call the numbers listed on the graphic to confirm their hours of operation:

If you are in another portion of Los Angeles county, you can obtain a list of cooling centers and information on heat-related illnesses and prevention, by visiting the Public Health website at http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov, or call the LA County Information line at 2-1-1 from any landline or cell phone within the county. To locate the nearest cooling center, go to http://bit.ly/BeatTheHeat2015. Call your local Cooling Center for hours of operation.

“While it is very important that everyone take special care of themselves, it is equally important that we reach out to those who are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of extreme heat, including children, the elderly, and their pets,” said Dr. Gunzenhauser. “Extreme heat such as this is not just an inconvenience, it can be dangerous and even deadly, but we can protect ourselves, our families, and our neighbors if we take steps to remain cool and hydrated.”

Schools, day camps, and non-school related sports organizations or athletes should take extra precautions during extreme heat. Practices and other outdoor activities should be scheduled for very early or very late in the day in order to limit the amount of time spent in the sun and heat.

Additional tips for those who must work or exercise outdoors:

Older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions:

Infants and Children:

Pets:

Heat-Related Illnesses Heat Cramps:

Heat Exhaustion:

Heat Stroke:

Los Angeles County residents and business owners, including people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs may also call 211 LA County for emergency preparedness information and other referral services. The toll-free 2-1-1 number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 211 LA County services can also be accessed by visiting www.211la.org.