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How To Stay Cool During A Heat Wave
A screengrab of the Department of Parks and Recreation's list of year-round pools. Check out this city map (linked in the article) to find a pool near you.
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Courtesy Dept. of Parks and Recreation's Daily Pool Operations Report
)
After below-average temperatures in Los Angeles last weekend, the heat has been turning up all week.
Highs reached the 90s by Monday and have been rising since then. We have tips on how to stay cool.
Stay indoors or find a cooling center
The National Weather Service in Oxnard says people sensitive to heat-related illnesses, which includes young children, older adults and people with underlying health conditions are at risk during heat waves. The list also includes:
- People without air conditioning
- Day laborers or people working in warehouses
- People exercising and hikers
Public libraries, parks and city buildings act as cooling centers throughout the city and county. But officials add additional cooling centers when the temperatures reach uncompromising levels. Find a center near you.
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Finding a public pool
Looking to swim? The city's Department of Parks and Recreation has a list of year-round pools. Check out this city map to find a pool near you.
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Keeping your pets safe
- Do not leave your pets in a car. Temperatures in vehicles can quickly soar and result in life-threatening situations for our furry friends.
- Avoid hot surfaces. If your bare feet can't handle the hot ground, your pet most likely can't either.
- Keep your pet hydrated.
- Avoid activities that could lead to heat stress and heat stroke. Signs include excessive drooling, weakness, inability to move and panting.
How to stay safe in excessive heat
Staying safe in the heat
- Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water or electrolyte replacements.
- Drink cool water, not extremely cold water (which can cause cramps).
- Avoid sweetened drinks, caffeine and alcohol.
Protect pets
- Never leave a pet or animal in a garage.
- Never leave a pet or animal in a vehicle.
- Never leave a pet or animal in the sun.
- Provide shade.
- Provide clean drinking water.
Protect people
Check in frequently with family, friends and neighbors. Offer assistance or rides to those who are sick or have limited access to transportation. And give extra attention to people most at risk, including:
- Elderly people (65 years and older).
- Infants.
- Young children.
- People with chronic medical conditions.
- People with mental illness.
- People taking certain medications (i.e.: "If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot," the CDC recommends).
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
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