Heat Wave: Stay Cool Tips, Cooling Centers

Triple digit temperatures are off to a quick start this summer in San Fernando Valley and throughout Los Angeles. 

With the heat increase comes a higher chance for heat-related injury or death, especially for children, the elderly and pets.

Check out these tips from Los Angeles County on how and where to stay cool and tell us in the comments how you are beating the heat.

Cooling Centers:

There's no cooling center in North Hollywood, but they can be found in some neighboring communities. Here's where they can be found:

San Fernando Recreation Park, 208 Park Ave., San Fernando. Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

For more Cooling Centers, call the LA County Information line at 2-1-1 from any landline or cell phone within the county or visit: 
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/docs/CoolingCtrs-6-3-13.pdf 

If you are planning to visit one of these Cooling Centers, it is advisable that you call in advance to make sure there is still seating available. If a Cooling Center is not operational, check the attached list for another Cooling Center nearest you or call “211”. Check with your local library when looking for a place to cool down. They have great resources and plenty to read while you escape the heat. For further information on heat waves, go tohttp://lacoa.org/PDF/ESP_FocusSheet_Heatwave_0710.pdf 

Map of LA County Cooling Centers: 
http://mapsengine.google.com/map/viewer?mid=z9pztDeZdtqU.kxng5WTVTDIQ 

How to Keep Yourself and Others Cool and Safe

* “Offer help to your family, friends, and neighbors with limited access to air conditioning and transportation, such as seniors or those who are ill. Check on them frequently or take them to a location with air conditioning." 

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. Heat may worsen the affects of poor air quality in areas of heavy smog. 

* Additional tips for those who must work or exercise outdoors: 

Ensure that cool drinking water is available. 

Drink water or electrolyte-replacing sports drinks often; do not wait until you are thirsty. Avoid drinking sweetened drinks, caffeine, and alcohol. Avoid drinking extremely cold water as this is more likely to cause cramps. 

Allow athletes or outdoor workers to take frequent rests. 

Pay attention to signs of dehydration, which include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps, and increased thirst. Individuals with these symptoms should be moved to a cooler, shaded place, and given water or sport drinks. 

More severe signs of heat-related illness may include diminished judgment, disorientation, pale and clammy skin, a rapid and weak pulse, and/or fast and shallow breathing. 

Coaches, teachers, and employers should seek immediate medical attention for those exhibiting signs of heat-related illness. 

Avoid unnecessary exertion, such as vigorous exercise during peak sun hours, if you are outside or in a non-air conditioned building. 

Older Adults and Individuals With Chronic Medical Conditions: 

During peak heat hours stay in an air-conditioned area. If you do not have access to air conditioning in your home, visit public facilities such as cooling centers, shopping malls, parks, and libraries to stay cool. 

Do not rely only on open windows or a fan as a primary way to stay cool. Use the air conditioner. If you’re on reduced income, find out more about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, by calling (866) 675-6623 or contacting your utility provider. 

Older adults and those on certain medications may not exhibit signs of dehydration until several hours after dehydration sets in. Stay hydrated by frequently drinking cool water. If you’re on a special diet that limits liquids, check with your doctor for information on the amount of water to consume. 

Stay out of the sun if you do not need to be in it. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, and loose-fitting, light-colored clothing with long sleeves and pants to protect yourself from sun damage. And remember sun screen and sun glasses. 

Infants and Children: 

It is illegal to leave an infant or child unattended in a vehicle (California Vehicle Code Section 15620). 

Infants and young children can get dehydrated very quickly. Make sure they are given plenty of cool water to drink. 

Keep children indoors or shaded as much as possible. 

Dress children in loose, lightweight, and light colored clothing. 

Pets: 

Never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows ‘cracked’ or open. 

Outdoor animals should be given plenty of shade and clean drinking water. 

Do not leave pets outside in the sun. 

Pets should not be left in a garage as garages can get very hot due to lack of ventilation and insulation. 

More tips: http://lacoa.org/PDF/ESP_FocusSheet_Heatwave_0710.pdf