How to stay safe during the heat wave in LA

With an unprecedented heat wave, with temperatures surpassing 100 degrees this week, L.A. County is expected to be on emergency alert until Friday evening. For this reason, they are taking precautions and providing guidance to all residents, especially the most vulnerable, including older adults, children, pregnant individuals, people with chronic health conditions and outdoor workers.

L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis said extreme heat is one of the most serious weather hazards, appearing more frequently each year and creating significant risks for certain communities. 

“While March usually brings cooler temperatures, this week's forecast indicates the temperatures across the county will reach between 96 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, creating significant risk for our communities,” she said during a press conference on Monday. 

She explained that high temperatures can cause heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke and severe dehydration.

“Unfortunately, these high temperatures are indicative of the times that we're living in with climate change leading to more extreme weather patterns,” she said. “This is why, last year, I helped to establish the indoor heat ordinance in Los Angeles County, which sets a maximum indoor temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit. This ordinance recognizes that not everyone has access to cooling measures and creates an important safeguard to help residents stay safe inside their homes during extreme heat.” 

Safety tips

Solis and other county leaders provided some tips to stay safe during the heat wave. It is recommended that people stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking water and replenishing electrolytes before feeling thirsty. Never leave children, older adults or pets in parked vehicles. Check on your neighbors, especially seniors and those people living alone and anyone with health risks. 

Dr. Anish Mahajan, the Chief Deputy Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, recommended people to plan their day to avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day and to make sure to wear sunscreen.

“Wear lightweight light colored clothes and wear a hat or use an umbrella,” he said. “Cars can get very hot inside, even if the windows are cracked open. Never leave children or pets alone in cars. Call 911, if you see a child in a car alone.”

For those who don't have air conditioning, it is recommended to stay hydrated, take cool showers or baths, limit the use of stoves and ovens to avoid heating the home and pay close attention to heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 

Heat-related illness is when your body is so hot that it can't cool itself off. Symptoms include high body temperature at 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, hot, red, dry or damp skin, a fast heart rate or muscle cramps, explained Dr. Mahajan.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Workers in hot environments are most at risk of heat-related illness, especially when working quickly or doing strenuous tasks. 

“All workers, regardless of immigration status, have a right to protections against heat-related illnesses without retaliation,” said Dr. Mahajan. “They can file a Cal OSHA complaint to report any violations such as not having access to a cool-down area.” 

No signs of fires

LA County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said this heat event is not expected to be accompanied by strong winds, which are typically the driving factor behind large, fast moving and life threatening wildfires in the region.

“ At this time, the National Weather Service has not issued any red flag warnings, fire weather watches or significant wind advisories for Los Angeles County,” he said. 

One of the reasons is because of the recent significant rainfall Los Angeles County received this winter. These green fuels help slow fire spread and limit the overall size and intensity of fires. 

“The primary concern this week is heat impacts on people rather than extreme fire risk,” Marrone said. “The Los Angeles County Fire Department is closely monitoring the weather conditions and the fire danger throughout the week, and we will adjust staffing levels and resource deployments as necessary.”

Resources to stay safe

L.A. County has activated over 100 cooling centers, such as county libraries and senior centers. 

“Some of these locations are also pet friendly, recognizing the important role that pets play in our families and the need to keep them safe from extreme heat,” Solis said. 

Also, L.A. County parks will have their buildings open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“The Department of Parks and Recreation also operates 27 senior activity programs and centers that open up as early as 8 a.m. We have teen centers that are open from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.,” she said.

Most of the centers also offer a free dinner program for teens and seven year-round aquatic centers with free recreational swim Monday through Friday from 3 to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m.

For more information, people can visit ready.la county.gov/heat, or call at 211 for assistance and information about available resources.​