With extreme heat returning to the southland, I want to remind everyone of safety and health info for families as well as pets. -Bob

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for the City of Los Angeles through 8:00 PM. Thursday, September 10, 2015. Expect dangerous heat across portions of Southwestern California through Thursday. Maximum temperatures will reach dangerous levels across much of Southern California this week. The peak of the heat event will be Wednesday and Thursday and Friday will only be a few degrees cooler. It will be cooler over the weekend although maximum temperatures will remain well above normal. Temperatures are expected to return to near normal by early next week. The coastal areas are not included in this warning since the temperatures will not meet warning criteria. Still high temperatures away from the beach areas will reach into 90s making it very uncomfortable for people who do not have air conditioning. While the afternoon temperatures will present the greatest danger, overnight temperatures will be quite warm as well and will not allow for much relief. 

Cooling Facilities

During excessive heat events, people without access to air conditioning in their homes can visit designated cooling centers. These cooling centers offer extended hours through 9:00 p.m. during excessive heat events.

Library Facilities

Hours of operation for libraries vary by facility. Visit www.lapl.org/branches or call (213) 228- 7000 for specific hours of operation. The City will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure accessibility and effective communications for people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.

Recreation and Parks (RAP) Facilities

Hours of operation for RAP facilities vary by facility. For more information, visit http://laparks.org, http://laparks.org/dos/senior/senior.htm or call 3-1-1 for specific hours of operation. The City will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure accessibility and effective communications for people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. 

The following West Valley Recreation and Parks facilities will be operating with extended hours starting through 9:00 p.m. Thursday September 10.

L.A. County Facilities

For information on cooling center locations outside of the City, contact L.A. County 2-1-1.

Tips to Beat the Heat

During periods of extreme heat, there is an increased risk of heat exhaustion, heat cramps and sunstroke. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself against extreme heat:

• Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you do not feel thirsty. Attempt to stay hydrated. Persons who are on fluid-restricted diets or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing fluid intake.
• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, when in the sun and use sunscreen.
• Check on family members, seniors, friends and neighbors and people with disabilities and other access and functional needs who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
• During excessive heat, it is recommended that older adults and seniors open windows, use fans or seek refuge from the heat at a Senior Center or Cooling Center.
• Never leave children in closed vehicles. 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.
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers.
• Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
• Eat well-balanced, light and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat and take frequent breaks.

Pet Safety in Extreme Heat

• 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.
• If your pet spends time in the yard, make sure he or she has access to shade. Shaded trees, a covered patio or a cool spot under the porch can help keep your pet comfortable.

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power

Should power outages occur, residents who require power to run medical or other life saving equipment can contact DWP’s Customer Service Line at 1-800-DIALDWP (342-5397), or go to www.ladwp.com for more information about their Lifeline Services Program.

To learn more preparedness tips, visit www.readyla.org, the City’s official readiness, response and recovery website. Sign up for emergency notifications from the City of Los Angeles at www.notifyla.org.

Cooling Facilities

During excessive heat events, people without access to air conditioning in their homes can visit designated cooling centers. These cooling centers offer extended hours through 9:00 p.m. during excessive heat events.

Library Facilities

Hours of operation for libraries vary by facility. Visit www.lapl.org/branches or call (213) 228- 7000 for specific hours of operation. The City will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure accessibility and effective communications for people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.

Recreation and Parks (RAP) Facilities

Hours of operation for RAP facilities vary by facility. For more information, visit http://laparks.org, http://laparks.org/dos/senior/senior.htm or call 3-1-1 for specific hours of operation. The City will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure accessibility and effective communications for people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. 

The following West Valley Recreation and Parks facilities will be operating with extended hours starting through 9:00 p.m. Thursday September 10.

L.A. County Facilities

For information on cooling center locations outside of the City, contact L.A. County 2-1-1.

Tips to Beat the Heat

During periods of extreme heat, there is an increased risk of heat exhaustion, heat cramps and sunstroke. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself against extreme heat: