How To Survive The Heat In LA: Hacks And Tips For Staying Cool Without Air Conditioning

Los Angeles is hot and getting hotter as we head into summer. Even if temperatures don't always reach triple digits, the heat can still take its toll. We have tips to stay cool and protect against heat-related illnesses, and we've also collected maps and links to local cooling centers across Southern California.

Below you'll find practical advice from health officials, updated local resources, and DIY suggestions from formerly warm people. Do you have a dependable method for hacking your body temperature? Share your coolness advice in the form below.

And now a word about drinking

In the face of tyrannical temperatures, it's essential to stay hydrated. Failing to drink enough water can result in a number of dangerous defeats — including, but not limited to, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and death. Not all beverages are on your side. To make sure you're imbibing only allies, follow these basic guidelines:

• Tip: Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water or electrolyte-replacements
• Tip: Drink cool water, not extremely cold water (which can cause cramps)
• Tip: Avoid sweetened drinks, caffeine, and alcohol

The CDC says that in extreme heat, you must increase fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. If engaging in "heavy exercise in a hot environment," they recommend drinking:

• 2-4 glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids every hour.

Warning signs

Signs of dehydration

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Faintness
• Headaches
• Muscle cramps
• Increased thirst

More severe signs

• Diminished judgment
• Disorientation
• Pale and clammy skin
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Fast, shallow breathing
• Unconsciousness
• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)

How to look cool

In times of excessive heat, authorities say to dress like you're on vacation. That includes:

• Hat, preferably with a wide brim
• Loose-fitting, light-colored, long-sleeve shirts and pants
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses

Where is the closest cooling center

In L.A., Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties, call 3-1-1 or call for a list of cooling centers. In the city of Los Angeles, you can also find a list of recreation centers, senior centers and libraries — all good choices for cooling off — online.

• Tip: Call the center in advance to make sure seating is available.
• Tip: If the center you want is at capacity, or non-operational, head to a local, air-conditioned library and cool off with a book about ice fishing in Antarctica.

You can get more details of cooling centers in Southern California:

• L.A. County
• City of L.A. (includes hydration centers)
• Orange County
• Riverside County
• San Bernardino County
  

Staying safe

Protect your pets from excessive heat

• 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 humans from excessive heat

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," says the CDC)

What you can do as an employer

Prevention is key, and the first thing employers need to do is to ensure they're complying with Cal/OSHA heat regulations. Some ideas for prevention include the following:

• Have access to water: Portable water must be made accessible to employees for free.
• Have access to shade: When temperatures hit above 80 degrees, have one or more shade areas for employees; if under 80 degrees, provide timely access to shade areas when requested. 
• Train employees on heat prevention.
• Encourage employees to stay hydrated and cool down in the shade.
• Make sure employees get their breaks — let employees know they can request a break if they feel like they need an additional one.
• Make sure you know how you will get emergency services if an emergency occurs.

What you can do as an employee

Anyone working in the sun can fall ill to heat, particularly vulnerable are workers in the fields of agriculture, construction, petroleum, landscaping. Here is what you can do when working in hot temperatures:

• Keep hydrated: Try to drink cool water, as extremely cold water can cause cramps.
• Monitor yourself: Signs of dehydration include dizziness, fatigue, faintness and headaches.

Keep in mind that you can can make an anonymous complaint to Cal/OSHA if you believe working conditions are out of compliance.

Other tips to staying cool

• Kiddie pool
• Lotions in the fridge
• Eat spicy foods in the basement (or on the floor) while wearing a damp shirt and listening to the rain setting on your white noise machine
• Make sure ceiling fans are running counterclockwise
• Wet paper towels. Fold into ankle and wrist cuffs. Freeze. Wear. Repeat.
• Build a DIY AC
• Build a mini cold air fan
• Build an "evaporative cooler for immediate heat relief"
• Make a barricade of fans and ice cubes
• Go to an air-conditioned public place (movie theater, for example)
• Close all the curtains, preferably the heat-absorbing kind
• Or open all the windows, depending on the breeze situation
• Cool bath or shower twice a day
• Wash your sheets before bed but don't dry them -- put them on your bed damp (provided you're dealing with a dry heat)
• Portable A/C unit

Your tips