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EXTREME HEAT ADVISORY
Published on Sep 3, 2020 19:26
EXTREME HEAT ADVISORY
High temperatures predicted to rise into the triple digits this Labor Day weekend. For a list of the County’s Emergency Cooling Centers or to view a map of these sites, please click here or dial 2-1-1.
Below are 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 illnesses may include diminished judgment, disorientation, pale and clammy skin, a rapid and weak pulse, and/or fast and shallow breathing, and
- Avoid unnecessary exertion, such as vigorous exercise during peak sun hours, if you are outside or in a non-air-conditioned building.
Below are tips for 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 to keep cool,
- Do not rely only on open windows or a fan as a primary way to keep cool. Use an air conditioner. If you’re on a 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 dehydration signs 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, and
- 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 against sun damage. And remember to wear sunscreen and to wear sunglasses.
Below are tips for those who have infants and children:
- Please know 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, and
- Dress children in loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
Below are tips for those who have 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, and
- Pets should not be left in a garage as garages can get very hot due to lack of ventilation and insulation.
Los Angeles County residents and business owners, including people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, may also call 2-1-1 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.
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