News release
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is urging residents to take steps to stay cool and hydrated as high daytime temperatures and unusually warm overnight conditions are forecast to impact the region.
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, said a news release from Public Health.
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Tuesday through Friday, with dangerously hot weather, creating a high risk of heat-related illness for everyone.
In addition to the Santa Clarita Valley, high temperatures are forecast for the following areas: Antelope Valley, Western Antelope Valley, Eastern Antelope Valley, Northwest L.A. County Mountains (Interstate 5 Corridor), Malibu Coast, Los Angeles County Beaches, West San Fernando Valley, Catalina, East San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, Calabasas/Agoura Hills, Palos Verdes Hills, Los Angeles Inland Coast, West Santa Monica Mountains, East Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Susana Mountains, Western San Gabriel Mountains/Highway 14 Corridor, and the East San Gabriel Mountains.
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.
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, and visit a library, cooling center, shopping mall, or other air-conditioned space. If you need help finding a cool space, call 211.
Call 911 right away if you see these symptoms: high body temperature (103°F or higher), dizziness, nausea, passing out, headache, fast and strong pulse, confusion, and hot, red, dry, or damp skin.
“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,” Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County health officer, said in the release. “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.”
