Long Beach Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, is advising residents to take precautions against the heat, particularly today through Friday, July 27, 2018. The National Weather Service is forecasting highs in the 90s and high humidity.
Those who are elderly or have chronic illnesses, and infants and young children are at greater risk for heat-related conditions. However, everyone should take precautions to reduce the risk of heat-related illness and injury. The following are recommended actions:
- Seek air-conditioned environments during peak heat at stores, malls, theaters and more. All Parks, Recreation and Marine community centers are designated cooling centers. A list of cooling centers in Long Beach is available at http://www.longbeach.gov/park/business-operations/about/cooling-center-locations/.A list of community centers throughout Los Angeles County and their operating hours are available at http://bit.ly/LongBeachCoolingCenters.
- Check on those who are elderly that are frail or home-bound individuals to make sure they are not affected by the heat.
- Never leave a child or pet in a parked car or asleep in direct sunlight.
- Remain hydrated by drinking water before, during and after outdoor activities.
- Make sure pets have plenty of shade and water to drink.
- Take frequent breaks while working or playing outdoors.
- Wear loose-fitting, light clothing. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover the face, ears and neck when outside.
- Apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) 15 minutes before going outdoors and re-apply at least every two hours; sunscreen prevents skin cancer.
- Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid beverages that have caffeine or alcohol.
- Plan strenuous outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day, and limit time outside during peak heat.
- Pace physical activities, starting slowly and picking up the pace gradually.
- Wear sunglasses that provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Chronic exposure to the sun can cause cataracts.
- Move to a cooler location at first sign of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps) rest and slowly drink a cool liquid.
- Prevent children from drowning by swimming next to a lifeguard, providing adult supervision at all times, and having an entry-proof barrier that surrounds the pool or spa.
For more information and summer safety tips, those interested can visit www.longbeach.gov/health, and follow the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services on Facebook,Twitter, and Instagram.