Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
News

Surviving A Deadly Heat Wave With No AC

People watch the sun set in Los Angeles (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.

During L.A.'s August heat wave it was so hot in Irma Macedonio's apartment that she had to take a cold shower and wrap herself in wet towels just to cool down enough to try and get some sleep.

Her central air conditioning system remained broken for about a year, she said — even after multiple requests to have it fixed.

"I have fans, but those fans blow hot air," said Macedonio in Spanish. "Because I have high blood pressure, it felt like my heart was going to stop."

The maximum temperature in downtown L.A. during the last heatwave was 98 degrees, but forecasts say it could reach 108 this Sunday, and that some areas of SoCal may see their highest temperatures ever recorded.

Those without air conditioning have to figure out how to survive possible record setting temperatures this weekend. A scary prospect.

READ THE FULL STORY

Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our nonprofit public service journalism: Donate now.

One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.

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.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today