July 20, 2009
Heat Alert: Hot Weather Hits LA County
Triple-digit temperatures expected in the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita
and the Antelope Valley
LOS ANGELES - The County Health Officer is issuing a Public Health Alert due
to the National Weather Service's forecast that hot weather will affect
portions of Los Angeles County today through Sunday. Temperatures are
expected to go above 100 degrees in the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita
and the Antelope Valley.
"When the temperature is this high, prolonged sun exposure may cause
dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke," said Jonathan
E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. "To
stay hydrated, carry water in a bottle or container so you have it handy to
drink. Check on elderly people or others you know that do not have air
conditioning to make sure they are staying cool. Also, never leave children,
elderly people, or pets unattended in closed vehicles, since temperatures
can quickly rise to life-threatening levels."
If you plan to be outdoors, take precautions to protect yourself from the
heat. Symptoms of dehydration and heat cramps include dizziness, fatigue,
faintness, headaches, muscle cramps, and increased thirst. Individuals with
these symptoms should be moved to a cooler, shaded place and given water or
sport drinks. More severe symptoms such as diminished judgment,
disorientation, pale and clammy skin, a rapid and weak pulse, and/or fast
and shallow breathing may indicate heat exhaustion or impending heat stroke
and requires immediate medical attention.
Several tips for beating the heat include:
● Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
● Drink water or electrolyte-replacing sports drinks often (do not
wait until you are thirsty), and avoid drinking alcohol.
● Offer help to those in your neighborhood with limited access to
air conditioning and transportation, such as seniors or those who are ill.
Check on them frequently or take them to a location with air conditioning.
● During peak heat hours stay in an air-conditioned area. If you
don't have access to air conditioning in your home, visit public facilities
such as shopping malls, parks, and libraries to stay cool.
● Avoid unnecessary exertion, such as vigorous exercise during
peak sun hours, if you are outside or in a non-air conditioned building.
● Stay out of the sun if you do not need to be in it. When in the
sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, and loose-fitting clothing
with long sleeves and pants to protect yourself from sun damage.
The county of Los Angeles has several cooling centers available for seniors
or those looking for a place to beat the heat. A list of these centers can
be found at http://www.ladcss.org.
For the city of Los Angeles, residents can call (213) 228-7000 or visit
http://www.lapl.org/branches to find a cooling center at a library, or
visit http://www.lacity.org/RAP/dos/senior/senior.htm for a list of Senior
Citizen Centers. Hours of operation for Recreation and Parks facilities can
be found at www.laparks.org.
The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the
health of the nearly 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a
variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health
oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family
health. Public Health comprises more than 4,000 employees and an annual
budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more about Public Health and the
work we do, please visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.
# # #
Michael Leighs, MPP
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
External Relations and Communications
Emergency Preparedness Liaison
241 N. Figueroa Street, Rm 348
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Email: mleighs@ph.lacounty.gov ( mailto:mleighs@ph.lacounty.gov )
Tel: 213.250.8621
Fax: 213.250.8545
http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/
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