HEAT ALERT: High temperatures forecast for LA Basin
LOS ANGELES COUNTY – Triple-digit temperatures are forecast for the LA
Basin on Monday, October 1 and Tuesday, October 2.
The Los Angeles County Health Officer would like to remind everyone that
precautions should be taken, especially by older adults, caretakers of
infants and children, individuals who participate in outdoor activities,
and individuals who are sensitive to the heat.
“Everyone should remember to take special care of themselves, children,
the elderly, and their pets. When temperatures are 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. “Never leave children, elderly people, or pets
unattended in vehicles, even with the windows ‘cracked’ or open, as
temperatures inside can quickly rise to life-threatening levels.”
For a list of cooling centers and information on heat-related illnesses
and prevention, please visit the Public Health website at
http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/,
or call the LA County Information line at 2-1-1 from any landline or cell
phone within the county.
“Offer help to your family, friends, and neighbors 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,” said Dr. Fielding.
Schools, day camps, and non-school related sports organizations or
athletes should take extra precautions during extreme heat. Practices and
other outdoor activities should be scheduled for very early or very late
in the day in order to limit the amount of time spent in the sun and
heat. Heat may worsen the affects of poor air quality in areas of heavy
smog.
Additional tips for those who must work or exercise outdoors:
Ensure that cool drinking water is available.
Drink water or electrolyte-replacing sports drinks often; do not wait
until you are thirsty. Avoid drinking sweetened drinks, caffeine, and
alcohol.
Avoid drinking extremely cold water as this is more likely to cause
cramps.
Allow athletes or outdoor workers to take frequent rests.
Pay attention to signs of dehydration which 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 signs of heat-related illness may include diminished
judgment, disorientation, pale and clammy skin, a rapid and weak pulse,
and/or fast and shallow breathing.
Coaches, teachers, and employers should seek immediate medical attention
for those exhibiting signs of heat-related illness.
Avoid unnecessary exertion, such as vigorous exercise during peak sun
hours, if you are outside or in a non-air conditioned building.
Older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions:
During peak heat hours stay in an air-conditioned area. If you do not
have access to air conditioning in your home, visit public facilities
such as cooling centers, shopping malls, parks, and libraries to stay
cool.
Do not rely only on open windows or a fan as a primary way to stay cool.
Use the air conditioner. If you’re on reduced income, find out more about
the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, by calling (866) 675-6623
or contacting your utility provider.
Older adults and those on certain medications may not exhibit signs of
dehydration until several hours after dehydration sets in. Stay hydrated
by frequently drinking cool water. If you’re on a special diet that
limits liquids, check with your doctor for information on the amount of
water to consume.
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, light-colored
clothing with long sleeves and pants to protect yourself from sun damage.
And remember sun screen and sun glasses.
Infants and Children:
It is illegal to leave an infant or child unattended in a vehicle
(California Vehicle Code Section 15620).
Infants and young children can get dehydrated very quickly. Make sure
they are given plenty of cool water to drink.
Keep children indoors or shaded as much as possible.
Dress children in loose, lightweight, and light colored clothing.
Pets:
Never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows
‘cracked’ or open.
Outdoor animals should be given plenty of shade and clean drinking water.
Do not leave pets outside in the sun.
Pets should not be left in a garage as garages can get very hot due to
lack of ventilation and insulation.
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 nearly 4,000
employees and has an annual budget exceeding $750 million. To learn more
about Public Health and the work we do please visit
http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/
visit our YouTube channel at
http://www.youtube.com/lapublichealth
find us on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/lapublichealth
or follow us on Twitter: LAPublicHealth.
***
Forwarded by:
Captain John Benedict
Altadena Sheriff's Station
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
(626) 798-1131
http://www.altadena.lasd.org
www.Nixle.com
http://local.nixle.com/lasd----altadena-station-los-angeles-county-sheriff/
Altadena Station Twitter @lasdald
Captain Benedict Twitter @jblasd
http://www.facebook.com/AtadenaSheriffsStation
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