The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health urges residents to take steps to stay cool and hydrated as high daytime temperatures and unusually warm overnight conditions are forecast to impact the region. 

Residents should check their specific neighborhood conditions using the NWS HeatRisk map.
Taking precautions is the most important way to prevent heat-related illness, such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat cramps, as well as heat-related death.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Heat Advisory for Tuesday, August 18 through Thursday, August 20, with high temperatures forecast for the following areas:

Heat Advisory

(Hot weather is expected to cause discomfort and may lead to heat-related illness for some, especially those who are vulnerable to heat, as indicated below.)

• West San Fernando Valley
• East San Fernando Valley
• San Gabriel Valley
• Santa Clarita Valley
• Western San Gabriel Mountains/Hwy 14 Corridor

Public Health recommends the following tips to prevent heat-related illness for yourself and others:

• Stay hydrated all day. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if not feeling thirsty.
• Take precautions when outdoors. If you must go out, plan your day to avoid going out during the hottest hours, and wear lightweight, light-colored clothes, and wear a hat or use an umbrella and use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher).
• Keep your home cool. If your home becomes hot and you cannot cool it down, go to an air-conditioned space or cooling center.
• Never leave children or pets in a vehicle, even for a short time. Cars get very hot inside, even if the windows are ‘cracked’ or open. Call 911 if you see a child or pet alone in a vehicle.
• Check on those at higher risk for heat-related illness, like those who are sick or have chronic conditions, older adults, pregnant women, children, those who live alone, pets, outdoor workers and athletes, and anyone without air conditioning.
• Call 911 right away for any one of the following: confusion, fainting/passing out, hot, red skin (may be dry or damp), high body temperature (103°F or higher), fast & strong pulse, headache, dizziness, or nausea.

Remember: Staying hydrated and staying cool helps prevent heat-related illness.

If you don’t have air conditioning, follow these additional tips:

• Take cool showers or baths
• Use your stove and oven less to avoid making your home hotter
• Visit a library, cooling center, shopping mall, or other air-conditioned space. If you need help finding a cool space, call 211.

Heat-Related Illness

It’s important to know how to recognize and help someone who is experiencing a heat-related illness.

Watch out for each other. Everyone should take precautions to prevent heat-related illness, but there are groups more vulnerable to heat. Check on those who are sick or have chronic conditions, older adults, pregnant people, children, those who live alone, pets, and outdoor workers and athletes.

“Heat causes more deaths in the U.S. annually than floods, storms, and lightning combined. Those most likely to get ill during the heat include older adults, young children, outdoor workers, athletes, and individuals with chronic medical conditions,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “Remember, your safety and the safety of others is crucial during extreme heat conditions. If you or someone around you experiences symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or passing out, seek medical help immediately.”

Local Impact

To check the risk of heat-related impacts for your specific city, go to the NWS HeatRisk website and click on Location Search and enter your city or use the zoom (+) button in the top left corner to see nearby cities more clearly. For actions to take based on your city’s HeatRisk category, read the NWS’ Understand HeatRisk guide.

The NWS HeatRisk takes into consideration:

• How unusual the heat is for the time of the year
• The duration of the heat including both daytime and nighttime temperatures
• If those temperatures pose an elevated risk of heat-related impacts based on data from the Center for Disease Control (CDC)

HeatRisk is a comprehensive calculation used by NWS that combines current weather forecast data, historical climate data that is specific to each geographic area, and social vulnerability data (i.e., CDC Social Vulnerability Index) to inform level of heat risk specific in each geographic area in a much more detailed and accurate way than a single temperature reading.

County and City partners have planned ways to safely operate cooling centers during times of high heat. Residents who do not have access to air conditioning are encouraged to take advantage of these free cooling centers, splash pads, and community pools. To find a location near you, visit https://ready.lacounty.gov/heat/ or call 211.

Los Angeles County residents and business owners, including people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs can call 211 for emergency preparedness information and other referral services. The toll-free 211 number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 211 LA County services can also be accessed by visiting 211la.org.

Ed. Note: The above information was provided to KHTS Radio by the LADPH.

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